Two improvised rockets fired by the Arakha Army (AA) struck the Kwinwaing Naval Base, one of the junta's last remaining military fortifications in Thandwe Township, Arakan (Rakhine) State, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers. Following this attack, the junta's aircraft targeted and bombed Kywethauk Village, which is located near the naval base.
“On July 20, two improvised rockets hit the naval base, causing explosions that damaged the canteen and bachelor dormitory. Two soldiers, both privates, were killed, and a major’s personal assistant sustained a hand injury. The casualties have been transported to Yangon by sea. Meanwhile, AA’s offensive is advancing toward the naval base,” a source close to Kwinwaing Naval Base reported.
The day after the naval base attack, the junta's aircraft initiated a bombing campaign against the nearby Kywethauk Village.
“Kywethauk Village and Kwinwaing Naval Base are relatively close by waterway, taking approximately 20 minutes to traverse. Yesterday, the junta heavily bombarded the village with intense airstrikes, and naval vessels also shelled the area. Some locals reported seeing soldiers advancing toward Kywethauk by land. The village had been sheltering displaced individuals from the ongoing conflict prior to the attack. Currently, there is no information available regarding casualties among the villagers due to phone lines being down,” a local source informed Narinjara.
On July 21, small-scale shootouts were reported at Sindinlay Village and Kyeekanye Intersection on the Zalun-Thabyuchaing Road, located south of Thandwe. Military tensions between AA and the junta have reached a critical point in nearby villages such as Sindinlay, Tharyarkone, Ohnpinwa, and Sindingyi, which are in close proximity to Kywethauk Village.
“Kwinwaing Naval Base can be accessed via the Thandwe-Zalun junction. Along this route are several villages, including Sindinlay, Sindingyi, Thitkaut, Kwinwaing, Maungshwelay, and Thabyuchaing. The naval base itself is situated in Kwinwaing. Two days ago, the junta destroyed the bridges on the road leading to the naval base. This morning, reports indicate ongoing fighting near the villages of Sindingyi, Sindinlay, and Kyeekanye, with the junta conducting airstrikes,” Narinjara’s source added.
The junta is urgently implementing defensive measures, including the dismantling of the road leading to the naval base.
Additionally, residents of Maungshwelay and Kyaukkalat are currently trapped in their villages due to the junta’s harsh restrictions on access to the road connecting the naval base.
The junta has enforced a strict blockade on the Zalun-Thabyuchaing Road section to thwart the AA’s advance. However, residents report that AA fighters have managed to infiltrate close to the naval base using unknown tactics.
