On June 26 morning, AA began attacking the base of the 55th Infantry Battalion, prompting the Junta to use the Army, Navy, and Air Force in a joint defense, resulting in intense fighting along the famed napali beach, Myanmar’s best- known seaside resort.
The Arakha Army (AA) is simultaneously attacking two Junta bases in Thandwe township, Rakhine State, resulting in fierce fighting.
"Gunshots echoed nonstop, joined by the thunderous blasts of bombs dropped from airplanes. Fighting happens almost every day”,a Thandwe resident reported.
Following the capture of Mazin (Thandwe) Airport on June 22, located in Ngapali and previously held by Junta troops, AA initiated efforts to seize the two remaining Junta bases.
AA also launched an attack on the Junta's 566th Light Infantry Battalion base, with reports suggesting its capture, but DMG has not been able to confirm it yet.
“The troops from the 566th Light Infantry Battalion already abandoned their base and joined force at the 55th Infantry Battalion, indicating AA's capture of the 566th's base. In the morning, alongside air support, the Junta launched artillery attacks from the Maung Shwe Lay navy base”, a local told DMG.
Thandwe is home to the Junta's 55th Infantry Battalion, 566th Light Infantry Battalion, as well as the Maung Shwe Lay navy base. In downtown Thandwe, Junta troops have fortified defenses at the Myoma (main) police station and No. 1 Basic Education High School (BEHS-1).
Clashes between the Junta and AA in Thandwe have been ongoing for over two months. During this period, many civilian casualties have occurred due to Junta actions, and over 50,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.
"The war-displaced people and locals in Thandwe urgently need food and medicine. Medicine, in particular, is extremely scarce and unavailable for purchase”, an aid worker reported.
AA’s current offensive in Rakhine State is expanding to Ann, Thandwe, Taungup, and Kyaukphyu. With many towns already lost, the Junta is now intensifying its defenses to prevent further territorial losses.
