Some junta soldiers stationed near Chingon Village in Arakan State’s Gwa Township reportedly retreated from the area during a weekend attack by the Arakkha Army (AA), according to military sources close to the ethnic armed group.

The AA launched an assault on junta troops stationed near Satthwar Village and drove some of the soldiers deployed near Chingon Village out of the area on November 23.

“Junta soldiers stationed near Chingon Village fled to Alechaung Village as they couldn’t withstand the AA attack. Fighting between the military and AA is escalating near the village. The AA is using drones and rockets to attack the military,” said a military source.

The AA’s advance is verging on Alechaung Village, about six miles from Gwa Town, and the regime has prepared a defence at the village, and sent reinforcements from Ayeyarwady Region to the area.

As the AA offensive approaches Gwa Town, the regime has airlifted reinforcements to its Gwa-based Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 562 and 563.

Thousands of people who have fled their homes in Gwa Township are in urgent need of food assistance.

“We have difficulties accessing food supplies for the displaced civilians due to the junta blockades. The situation is worsening as local charities cannot help IDPs sufficiently. The number of donors is decreasing. We are struggling to make ends meet,” said an aid worker.

It has been more than one year since the AA clashed with the military in Arakan State and fighting between the two sides continues to intensify. Clashes are reported on a near-daily basis as the AA attempts to seize Maungdaw, Ann, Taungup and Gwa townships.