The Arakkha Army (AA) has seized control of the military's Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) No. 346 under the No. 5 Military Operations Command in Arakan State's Taungup, according to a source close to the ethnic armed group.

The AA began attacking the regime's No. 5 Military Operations Command and LIB Nos. 346 and 544 on November 21, taking control of the military's LIB No. 346 on Wednesday evening.

"The AA seized the military's LIB 346 yesterday evening. Around 10 junta soldiers reportedly raised white flags due to the AA's attack. The AA seized a haul of weapons from the junta battalion," said a military source.

Fighting between the military and AA is intensifying as the ethnic armed group continues to attack the No. 5 Military Operations Command and LIB No. 544.

"Fighting between the military and AA is escalating near the No. 5 Military Operations Command. We hear the sound of heavy weapons and small arms fire," said a military source. "The AA is expected to control the entire Taungup Township if it can seize the No. 5 Military Operations Command and LIB 544. The AA will seize both the military's No. 5 Military Operations Command and LIB 544 soon."

Civilian homes and shops have been damaged or destroyed, and civilians have been killed and injured by regime airstrikes and artillery attacks on residential areas in Taungup Township.

The AA has been stepping up offensive attacks in an effort to seize Maungdaw, Taungup, Ann and Gwa townships in Arakan State.