Fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) has escalated in northern Rakhine State, according to local residents who fear the clashes may spill over into their villages.
The Tatmadaw reportedly carried out two helicopter attacks on the ethnic armed group’s temporarily enclave in Na Han Village, Buthidaung township on November 19.
Residents hid as the sound of gun fire erupted.
“I heard that a clash broke out near the source of Yaw Kai Stream, in the area between Wah Nat Yone and Na Han. It broke out at around 10am ... We saw two helicopters leaving after dropping the bombs,” said one resident.
Evacuations have not yet happened, but residents say as the battle zone encroach on their villages by the day, they may soon have to flee.
“Fighting broke out near Mile 63 last year. This is the first time this year … Local residents are afraid to go into the mountain now,” the resident said.
Representatives from the AA confirmed helicopter attacks at 10:50am and 11:20am on November 19.
“The Myanmar Tatmadaw launched helicopter air strikes to rescue the 543rd Light Infantry Battalion, which was trapped and had suffered a serious setback in the battle that broke out on the evening of November 18. [The attack] lasted about half an hour,” said Khine Thu Kha, the AA’s spokesperson.
By the AA’s count, seven soldiers from the Tatmadaw including an officer, as well as one soldier from the Arakan Army died during the November 18 battle.
The Tatmadaw has not released anything about the attack and Narinjara News could not contact them for comment.
According to local reports, fighting has continued in upper Paletwa township in Chin State on November 20.
