The Arakan Army (AA) has reportedly seized control of the Junta's Border Police Command Headquarters (Kyeekanpyin Base) in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State.
A reliable source informed DMG that the base was reportedly attacked by AA around 4:00 am on May 2 and was eventually captured. The source elaborated,“ the Junta is still conducting airstrikes around Kyeekanpyin after the capture of the base. TheAA comrades discovered the bodies of Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) fighters there, along with several Junta soldiers who surrendered”
Following the seizure of the Kyeekanpyin Base by the AA, approximately 50 Junta soldiers surrendered, with others still at large.
Kyeekanpyin Base, acknowledged as one of the largest military headquarters in Maungdaw, has been transformed into a formidable during the ongoing conflict, with Junta soldiers relocating from smaller outposts to bolster its defenses, potentially numbering a thousand strong, as per local reports.
AA is continuing its offensive to seize control of the remaining Hlaphokhaung and Pyinphyu bases in Maungdaw.
"Some Junta troops remain on the outskirts of Maungdaw. AA deployed drones to encircle and block Kyeekanpyin, ultimately leading to its capture”, a Maungdaw resident said.
Currently in Maungdaw, the Junta ‘s military forces now rely on the 5th Border Guard Battalion at Myothugyi, the 2nd Border Guard Battalion at 4-Mile, the 4th Border Guard Battalion at Mawrawaddy, and the 6th Border Guard Battalion at Inndin.
To prevent the AA from capturing the remaining fortifications in Maungdaw, the Junta is resorting to desperate measures by employing heavy airstrikes and artillery barrages.
The most intense clashes between AA and the Junta are currently occurring in Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and Ann townships in Rakhine State, with additional skirmishes reported in the vicinity of Thandwe Township.