The Arakan Army (AA) declared the capture of the final Myanmar junta stronghold in the historic city of Mrauk U, situated in the Rakhine State.
The rebel army also reported sinking three naval landing crafts during a counteroffensive and ongoing clashes.
The AA's assertion includes damage to at least seven other naval vessels within Rakhine State's rivers over the past month. According to the rebel group, Myanmar Police Battalion 31 in Mrauk U was seized on Thursday, signifying the complete control of the township.
While local Rakhine media reported AA control over Minbya and Kyauktaw townships, independent verification by The Irrawaddy is pending.
A Rakhine activist monitoring the conflict suggests caution, stating it's premature to confirm the complete clearance of junta troops from the three townships.
Reports indicate ongoing violence, with a naval vessel firing over 25 shells into Ramree town and nearby villages, while a junta outpost at Thein Taung Kone pagoda shelled the town.
The AA also launched an attack on the Koe Tan Kauk border outpost in Rathedaung Township, prompting retaliatory shelling from junta troops in the area.
Residents of Ramree and Rathedaung reported sustained fighting and junta airstrikes on Friday.
The AA, in its statement, accused the junta of violating the Geneva Conventions, alleging deliberate attacks on civilians and war crimes.
In a separate incident, junta troops raided Gone Chun village tract in Kyaukphyu Township on Thursday, detaining four male residents without providing a reason.
Additionally, on Wednesday, Light Infantry Battalion 344 in Sittwe reportedly shelled Kun Taung village in Ponnagyun Township, resulting in the injury of a villager.
