On January 14th, the Arakan Army (AA) declared the capture of all enemy bases in Paletwa Township, including the Military Council's crucial 289th Infantry Division, securing full control over the entire township.
AA's statement emphasized that the offensive attacks on the Military Council's bases and outposts in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township were characterized by tough battles with nothing captured easily.
AA elaborated that its comrades conducted operations with honor, involving sacrifices, risk-taking, courageous fighting, adherence to given orders, effective communication across various operation theaters, and the skillful exploitation of enemy weaknesses, all contributing to their final victory.
Despite the regime’s robust defense in strategic focal points of northern Rakhine State, employing air support and shelling , these proved unable to withstand AA's formidable offensives. Eventually, AA succeeded in capturing enemy bases and military installations that had long been a source of harassment and intimidation for the local population, as stated by AA.
On November 13th, AA initiated a large-scale offensive with the goal of securing control over the entire Paletwa region. Subsequently, AA successfully seized the two crucial tactical operation commands of the Military Council, namely Tarunaing and Hnonebu.
AA clarified that due to the strategic cutting off of communication and supply lines to enemy bases and outposts months before the operation commenced, the offensive saw smoother success. The AA now declares the successful takeover of the entire Paletwa Township, achieved through a determined attack resulting in the capture of half a dozen Military Council camps.
Paletwa Township serves as the central command for all commanders operating in the region. The full realization of AA's massive operation to capture Paletwa Township occurred at 7:10 am on January 10th, marked by the fall of the Military Council's 289th Infantry Division. AA further declared the seizure of a substantial amount of enemy ammunition and military equipment during the operation.
AA stated that the 289th Infantry Division served as the command center overseeing the Military Council's operations in the entire Paletwa region. Additionally, it acted as the primary source of supplies to the Junta bases situated along the India-Bangladesh-Myanmar trilateral border.
At 3:00 pm on January 14th, AA successfully achieved the complete capture of the Nhamadar tactical operation command, the last remaining base of the Military Council in Paletwa. Consequently, AA declared Paletwa as a Military Council-free area.
AA also announced that in Paletwa, all administrative mechanisms of the Military Council have been terminated, and the entire region is now under the control of the AA.
On the other hand, the Military Council's armed troops, fleeing either individually or in groups, pose a potential threat to local communities, prompting AA to call for heightened vigilance among the residents. AA further declared its unwavering pursuit of fleeing enemy forces, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding the lives and belongings of the public.
