Artillery shells unleashed by the Arakan Army (AA) exploded within the Western Regional Command headquarters, resulting in casualties among Junta officers.
Narinjara received information from a military source stating that, during the clash on April 9 around 7:30 pm artillery shells launched by AA struck the combat support unit of the Western Regional Command, leading to explosions that killed a major from the signals battalion and caused injuries to several other officers and soldiers.
According to one Ann resident, on April 9 artillery shells fired by AA detonated within the Junta's signals battalion near the Western Command." During last night's fighting, artillery shells launched by AA struck both the Western Regional Command and the nearby combat support unit, resulting in the death of a major from the signals battalion. The signals battalion is just one road apart from the Western Command. The major sustained severe injuries and passed away today at noon. We are currently in the process of investigating the incident”, the source reported.
A woman from Ann Township informed Narinjara that on April 10, intense fighting continued throughout the day in Natsintaung near Lone village, the mountains near Kyaungphyukwin village, the hills near the 373rd Light Infantry Battalion, and the Tawheintaung tactical operation command. The Junta's artillery barrages from the army, navy, and air force had also raised concerns among residents.
"The battle is taking place in four different areas. The Junta soldiers are giving their all in the fight. At Ann airport, warplanes are constantly flying in and out. We are anxious because we are unsure when the artillery will strike. All day we hear the thunder of shells and gunfire”, she said.
Ann residents also said that the Junta troops' closure of the entrance and exit of Ann is causing food shortages, and locals are also being used as human shields.
As of now Narinjara has been unable to independently verify the reported casualties of several Junta officers, including a major.
The battle to seize Ann is gradually intensifying, and the Junta forces are showing no signs of yielding control easily. As a consequence, the conflict is fierce, marked by continuous counterattacks.
