In a determined move, the Arakan Army (AA) has vowed to eradicate Myanmar junta troops from Paletwa within few days after capturing another outpost in the southern Chin State township.
The AA's forces successfully overran the Kha Maung Wa outpost on Tuesday, as stated by the Brotherhood Alliance, a coalition of three powerful ethnic armies, according to Irrawaddy.
“There are a few major, minor and depleted [Paletwa] outposts where junta troops have not surrendered yet. However, we will annihilate them within this week,” the AA said in the Alliance statement.
The AA has reportedly seized 20 junta outposts in Paletwa since fighting in its stronghold of neighboring Rakhine State resumed on November 13.
“All that’s left for the AA to take in Paletwa are a few outposts and a couple of major bases. If they can seize these remaining targets, the AA will take control of the township,” said a Paletwa resident who is helping internally displaced people in the township.
Clashes also intensified in the neighbouring Rakhine township of Kyauktaw on Tuesday and yesterday as AA forces attempted to oust remaining troops from Taung Shay Taung strategic outpost near Tin Ma village.
The AA has already taken parts of the large outpost, which the junta is defending with air and artillery strikes. AA forces have so far seized seven junta outposts in Kyauktaw, which is located in northern Rakhine on the border with Paletwa.
Locals report that regime troops have retaliated by launching indiscriminate drone strikes on residential areas. The AA has seized around 150 outposts since the resumption of fighting with regime forces in Rakhine State.
