After the Arakan Army (AA) took control of Thandwe Township in Arakan (Rakhine) State fighting has intensified in neighbouring Gwa Township, the southernmost township in Arakan State.
There was intense fighting near Kaikhome Village and the Gant Gaw Taung Dam in Gwa Township from 4 to 10 September 2024, with the junta supporting its troops with heavy artillery fire from naval ships and airstrikes. There were further junta airstrikes on 11 September.
An AA source said: “Fighting is happening every day. Some days, it is intense, while on other days it may last only a few minutes. The junta is primarily countering with air and naval support, with a focus on daily heavy artillery fire from their navy.”
The junta has also reinforced its base in Kularpyin (Yadanar Myine) village, about two miles from the fighting, with troops from the Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 562 base in Gwa Town.
Another source familiar with the situation said: “The junta is experiencing significant losses in the Gant Gaw Taung battle. They seem concerned about losing control over the territories between Kyeintali and Gwa Towns. As a result, they are focusing heavily on naval bombardments in their attacks.”
Fighting in Gwa Township has been ongoing since 8 August and the AA took control of Kyeintali Town in Gwa Township on 13 August.
Since the fighting began in Gwa Township the junta has blockaded routes into the township causing shortages of goods, including medical supplies, food and clothing.
A source said: “The AA has stated its intention to capture and control all of Arakan State. Therefore, it is expected that they will continue to advance step by step, capturing one area after another according to their strategy. It will happen gradually, either slowly or quickly.”
The AA currently has taken control of 10 townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Town in Chin State in the last 10 months. The AA is also attacking key military bases in the Arakan State townships of Sittwe, Ann and Kyaukpyu, where the junta’s major military headquarters are located.
