At least 20 junta soldiers, who were carrying rations for the military camp, were killed in an Arakan Army ambush on Thursday, said a source close to AA.  

“A column of 30 soldiers came to Buddaw village in Ponna Kyunt township in the morning hours where the AA members targeted them. No less than 20 junta soldiers died on the spot in the attack that lasted for an hour,” added the source.

Both the armed groups used small and heavy arms. Local people could hear the sound of gunshots for an hour.

The AA members initially blocked the route leading to the army camp. As there was a shortage of rations, the soldiers went to fetch the items. On their return, they face the AA attack.

“Two army vehicles were used to bring rations yesterday, but the AA members intercepted the vehicles and seized the entire rations. Today morning, the soldiers tried to bring rations from the mountain range, but many of them had to lose their lives,” he stated.

Soon after the incident, the 539-battalion based near Kan Souk bridge of Kyauk Taw township fired many shells in the neighboring areas for several hours.

“We  left our village in the morning hours before the fighting took place. We noticed unusual movement of soldiers in the area. Many AA members were also in the same locality. Later we heard the sound of gunshots,” informed a resident of Boddaw village.

Over 1000 people from three villages namely Kun Own Su, Boddaw and Wrat Nyo Daung fled their places.

Narinjara News contacted AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha and Rakhine State security and border affairs minister Colonel Kyaw Thura regarding the incident, but they did not respond to the phone calls.

A series of battles between the military council army personnel and AA members have taken place in various parts of Rakhine in recent days.

AA members have restricted the transportation routes to several army camps. On the other hand, the junta authorities have cut off many public roads across Arakan State to prevent supplies to AA bases. Many waterways have also been restricted and the soldiers continue checking the passengers.