The Junta is urgently strengthening its defences in Sittwe, Maungdaw, and other southern Rakhine State townships to resist the anticipated Arakan Army (AA) offensive. Local sources report that the Junta is also bolstering defensive measures in Kyaukphyu, Thandwe, Taungup, Manaung, Gwa, and Ann Townships.
Fearing an AA offensive,police battalions and Junta troops have been mobilized in Gwa and Kyeintali to reinforce these towns, with the Junta conducting operations along the Rakhine Yoma Mountain Range near Gwa, a Gwa resident told Narinjara.
"Security measures have been increased in Gwa and Kyeintali these days. A police battalion from Hlaing Thar Yar in Yangon has been redeployed to Kyeintali to bolster the town’s defence, along with unidentified Junta units, each comprising about 50 men. Increased checks and arrests are being conducted on land routes as well.Passengers on buses originating from Yangon, holding national identification cards (NICs) issued to Thandwe residents are now prohibited by the Junta from entering Rakhine State”, he said.
Currently fighting continues in Maungdaw Township. Battalions under the Junta's 22nd Light Infantry Division are gearing up to reinforce defensive measures and safeguard Maungdaw in collaboration with the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO), a local military source reported.
“The Junta is strengthening defenses in Sittwe. In Maungdaw, it is working with ARSA and RSO, bringing in reinforcements and making preparations for drone warfare”, he said.
In Manaung, the Junta is bolstering defenses around its artillery batteries, air bases, and naval installations. “In Manaung, a very long fence and barriers stretching from the football field to the airfield have been constructed, accompanied by extensive military preparations”, a local told Narinjara.
The Junta is continuing to transfer police and soldiers to townships across southern Rakhine State. They deploy alongside existing troops, expanding and constructing defensive outposts and bunkers.
The Junta is actively transferring mainland-based police and soldiers to townships across southern Rakhine State. They deploy alongside existing troops, expanding and constructing defensive outposts and bunkers, according to local military sources.
In Kyaukphyu and Taungup, there has been an increase in the activities of Junta troops, notably with arbitrary shelling from the Taungmawgyi navy base in Kyaukphyu and naval vessels firing small arms at fishing trawlers in the Thanzit River.
To counter AA's offensive in Rakhine State, the Junta has designated Thandwe as the final stronghold fortress town and is undertaking extensive military and defense preparations.
