Local residents said that the Arakan Army (AA) intercepted a Myanmar junta troop column near Chaung Tu village, between Ponnagyun and Kyauktaw Townships, Rakhine State, at 11 am on 30 September and captured three Military Council soldiers.

A witness said the Military Council column was intercepted by the AA when it was transporting supplies to the junta strategic hill point located on Nanwin Mountain near Buddhaw village, Ponnagyun Township.

“Fighting took place close to our village. Regime columns were intercepted while on their way to supply rations to their troops. The shooting lasted about one and a half hours. Regime forces were injured as it was a planned attack by AA, though we don't know how many. However, AA detained three junta soldiers,” a Buddhaw villager said.

It is also known that after the incident, the Military Council 539th Battalion at the foot of Kansout Mountain in Kyauktaw Township assisted their forces in covering fire with artillery.

“Regime forces based in Kyauktaw Township and Kansout Mountain also assisted with covering fire by small arms and artillery. The shelling lasted more than 12 hours,” a Kyauktaw resident said.

Junta forces and the AA are fighting fiercely in Rakhine State and Paletwa area in Chin State.