The Arakha Army (AA) issued a warning to the residents of Maungdaw town in Rakhine State on June 16, urging them to evacuate immediately, as it initiated attacks on the remaining Junta bases in the town.

Almost all Junta camps and outposts in the rural and outlying areas of Maungdaw township have already fallen to AA.

AA has also encircled and laid siege to the remaining Junta bases around Maungdaw's downtown.

In another operation the AA forces have been closing in on Thandwe airport.

Meanwhile, the Junta has been transforming Maungdaw into a fortress town, ramping up defensive measures for some time.

With the offensive set to target Maungdaw town, AA has warned residents to stay away from areas prepared by the Junta for defense, including sniper points on tall buildings and other potential military targets.

"If urban warfare is about to start, the safety of the public needs urgent consideration. That’s why AA has warned residents to evacuate in advance, as has been done in other townships. This is a life-threatening situation for Maungdaw residents, and it is important to follow the instructions exactly. AA issued an official warning to avoid a repeat of the situation when Buthidaung was taken over”, a military analyst said.

Only the Myothugyi 5th Border Guard Police (BGP-5) and 4-Mile 2nd Border Guard Police (BGP-2) battalions, along with a few defensive outposts, remain as Junta forces still deployed in Maungdaw.

Since launching an offensive against the Junta over the past seven months in Rakhine State, the AA has managed to capture 10 towns and many military installations. AA has also recently opened new fronts in Taungup, Kyaukphyu, Ann, and Thandwe ( but not Thandwe Airport).