The military junta is launching a strong attack on areas held by the Arakan Army in Kyaukphyu Township, the hub of the Chinese projects, utilizing land, sea, and air forces. According to a local military source, the ongoing offensive cannot proceed because of heavy casualties.
“The military junta is carrying out a combined assault that includes air, sea, and ground operations to reclaim the areas in Kyaukphyu controlled by the AA. The air and naval forces are employing the most advanced military technology. They are using drones and missiles on the ground.
Nevertheless, the AA is developing a robust and efficient defense. The military has experienced considerable losses on the battlefield, which is obstructing their progress. Thus far, they have not been able to advance with the attack and are restricted to carrying out airstrikes using drones and jets.”
On the night of October 30, military forces conducted airstrikes on Zin Chaung Kon Bwe village in Kyaukphyu Township using fighter jets, without engaging in any direct combat. This action was a response by the junta forces following heavy casualties during clashes with the Arakan Army (AA) in the same township.
The AA stated that six individuals, including a woman, lost their lives, and close to 20 others were injured in the air strike conducted by the junta forces.
He stated that on October 31, in Kyaukphyu Township, the military column, consisting of over 100 soldiers, that had moved towards the village of Thaing Chaung, which is under AA control, was entirely demolished by the AA just above Zin Chaung village.
The military unit from the 32nd Police Battalion moved through the village of Zin Chaung and proceeded towards Thaing Chaung but was attacked by the Arakan Army positioned along the route, leading to the deaths of numerous soldiers.
“On Friday afternoon, the military columns that had moved toward the village of Thaing Chaung after crossing the road were attacked by the AA employing guerrilla tactics. They were unable to retrieve the bodies. The junta military had to withdraw," he stated.
Following approximately one hour of intense combat between the two sides, the military incurred significant losses and retreated, abandoning bodies at the Sittaw-Zin Chaung-Kyaukphyu junction, he added.
It has been reported that the Myanmar Air Force used jets to bomb the vicinity of Thaing Chaung, where the conflict has erupted.
A local resident fleeing the conflict reported that the junta army has repeatedly launched attacks on Thaing Chaung and Chaung Wa but has failed to achieve success and is withdrawing after incurring significant losses.
“The military is progressing towards Chaung Wa and Thaing Chaung, aided by artillery, drones, and naval aircraft. Nevertheless, they have not arrived at their desired location and are withdrawing with significant losses. They have primarily taken over the intersection and are launching an attack.
They are additionally targeting nearby villages using drones and artillery. The planes are carrying out bombing missions. The individuals residing in the villages are all fleeing," he stated.
At present, the military approach of the Arakan Army has shifted, drawing the army into a killing field and launching attacks on them whenever they enter their area, leading to numerous soldiers being slain.
