In the persisting conflict in Myanmar, the Arakan Army (AA) has announced the capture of two Myanmar junta battalion headquarters in Mrauk U and Kyauktaw townships, located in Rakhine State.
The AA claims to have taken control of the Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 378 headquarters on Monday morning following several days of intense fighting in the historic Mrauk U region, the Irrawaddy reported.
This development comes on the heels of the AA's seizure of the adjacent LIB 540 headquarters last Tuesday, coupled with an ongoing assault on the LIB 377 base in Mrauk U.
The three battalions, including LIB 376 in Kyauktaw Township, have reportedly been engaged in shelling Mrauk U Archaeological Museum, residential areas in the town, and neighboring villages, according to statements from the Arakan Army.
In addition to the advancements in Rakhine State, the AA reports ongoing clashes in Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Ramree, and Ann townships amid regime bombardments from both air and sea.
The Arakan Army is also targeting border outposts in Taung Pyo on the Bangladesh border in Maungdaw Township, leading to more than 250 regime troops seeking refuge in Bangladesh.
The retreating regime forces are facing counterattacks from the Arakan Army, prompting the junta to respond with shelling and airstrikes.
The Arakan Army has been actively targeting the regime across northern Rakhine State and neighboring Paletwa Township in southern Chin State since November 13 last year.
The rebel group asserts that it has seized approximately 170 junta positions, including Pauktaw town near the Rakhine capital, Sittwe, and the entirety of Paletwa Township.
