Residents in Kahtila village, located in the Taung Bazar village tract of Buthidaung Township in Rakhine State, reported that intense clashes occurred between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Military Council.
Commencing at 8:00 am on November 18th, the Arakan Army (AA) initiated an attack on the Border Guard Force (BGF) security outpost situated in Kahtila village. The Military Council retaliated with artillery and small arms, leading to intense clashes.
On November 19th, the conflict around Kahtila continued with significant intensity. The Military Council employed aerial support through helicopter attacks in addition to artillery shelling.
"Today a helicopter arrived and discharged around 30 shots. We had to find refuge in thick forest areas. The battle was extremely intense," said a resident of Layeinsu, a neighboring Mro ethnic village.
Layeinsu, situated just over 3 miles from Kahtila village, is currently under attack by the Military Council with shelling and airstrikes. Due to the perceived threat to their security, approximately 60 Layeinsu villagers evacuated as a precaution.
In Kahtila, approximately 1,000 residents have already been evacuated since November 16th, prompted by the anticipation of imminent conflict. Villagers are concerned about the potential destruction of their homes, as the Military Council continues to relentlessly bombard Kahtila with artillery and air raids.
"Last night the Military Council shelled throughout the night. With the battle unfolding close to the village, there is a genuine concern that artillery rounds could hit our village," shared a Kahtila villager currently evacuated from the village.
On November 16th, around 10:00 am, the Military Council's Done Nyo security outpost in Maungdaw Township was raided and captured at 1:00 pm on November 17th, as reported by the AA.
Following the renewed clashes between the Military Council and the AA in Rakhine State since November 13th, the AA has initiated offensives to seize border outposts, police stations, and tactical operation command posts of the Military Council.
The intensity of the conflict stems from the Military Council's desperate defense, utilizing artillery and helicopters against AA's offensives.
Photo Caption - AA troops seen in a video footage released by AA
