The Arakha Army (AA) launched an offensive on Taungup town, home to the Junta's No. 5 Military Operations Command (MOC-5), in southern Rakhine State on June 15 at 8:00 pm.

Heavy fighting erupted when AA attacked the artillery battalion under MOC-5, stationed near the rear areas of Taungup University. According to locals, skirmishes also broke out in various parts of downtown Taungup.

"There is a site called Teinchaung behind Taungup University where Junta troops have stationed artillery. AA is targeting this battalion, prompting Junta airstrikes overnight, which also hit non-combat zones”, a Taungup resident said.

From 8:00 PM onwards, locals endured the relentless sounds of artillery fire from the battalion, the roar of aircraft overhead, and explosions from dropped bombs throughout the night.

Throughout the night, the Junta carried out aerial bombing raids, targeting both the combat zone and the villages surrounding Taungup town. A military source reported approximately 180 bombs were dropped between 8:00 pm and midnight.

Narinjara is currently investigating further details following initial reports that a man from Ywarthitkay village near Taungup sustained abdominal injuries from shrapnel in indiscriminate airstrikes conducted by the Junta.

“A man from the Ywarthitkay village near lumber mill No. 99 suffered an abdominal injury and was rushed to the hospital that same night”, a local young woman reported.

Locals reported hearing small arms fire around May Poe Wah Road.

“Some witnesses reported skirmishes occurring around Chaung Kauk and May Poe Wah Roads, with gunshot sounds heard in those areas”, according to a Taungup resident.

A local youth also described the situation as alarming after hearing the sounds of gunfire exchanges in parts of the town at night.

“Gunshots were heard around Monetine Kyun on the edge of Chaung Kauk ward, with sounds of both sides firing at each other. Gunfire also erupted along U Ottama Road”, he said.

Since the evening of June 15, a vehicle filled with Junta troops has reached the Zay Chay (small market) area on the edge of Chaung Kauk ward.

As the Junta bombarded both combat zones and unrelated areas throughout the night, there were concerns about potential casualties among the local population.

There are also reports of ongoing clashes in Thandwe town, located south of Taungup.