The Arakan Army captured 14 junta soldiers and police personnel after the ethnic armed group clashed with the Myanmar military in northern Maungdaw Township on July 18, AA spokesman U Khaing Thukha told DMG.

“There were two clashes between AA and the Myanmar military. The Arakan Army clashed with a combined force of Myanmar military and Border Guard Force [BGF],” U Khaing Thukha added.

The fighting in Maungdaw Township between the AA and Myanmar military took place between Hsaungpyinnyar and Sagarpinyin villages, and at another location between Donekalar and Wetkyein villages, the AA spokesman said.

Monday’s hostilities were “retaliation” for deadly airstrikes carried out by the Myanmar military on an AA base in Kayin State on July 4, U Khaing Thukha said. The Arakan Army had previously vowed a response to the attacks, which took place in territory controlled by the Karen National Liberation Army, an AA ally.

“Six AA members were killed in the Myanmar military’s airstrikes, which were conducted without any fighting,” he said. “The regime’s airstrikes destroyed a hospital, clinic, sewing factory, and some other buildings at the camp. These attacks [on July 18] are our retaliation for the Myanmar military’s airstrikes.”

In addition to the 14 security personnel captured alive, at least 10 junta soldiers and police were reportedly killed during the clashes in Maungdaw Township on July 18.

DMG attempted to contact Arakan State Minister for Security and Border Affairs Colonel Kyaw Thura to find out more about Monday’s fighting, but he could not be reached.

The military and the Arakan Army have largely observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020, following some two years of often-intense conflict. But a handful of clashes have taken place between the two sides so far this year amid rising tensions in the region.