The Arakan Army (AA) says it has launched a heavy offensive to capture Maung Shwe Lay Naval Base, the last remaining junta stronghold in Thandwe Township, Arakan (Rakhine) State.
AA’s spokesperson, U Khaing Thu Kha, said: "Fierce fighting is still ongoing around the Maung Shwe Lay Naval Base, the junta’s last fortification in Thandwe. We remain relentless in our offensive to seize that naval base.”
That naval base is next to Tha Byu Chai Port, south of Ngapali Beach in Thandwe Township.
A source close to the junta navy revealed that even though the junta has deployed extensive resources to defend the Maung Shwe Lay Naval Base, the regime troops there are demoralised and disorganised. There also seem to be tensions between the navy command and the army soldiers at the base.
"The junta sent Commander Kyaw Kyaw Oo from Yangon to lead and regroup the Maung Shwe Lay Naval Base for a counterattack. However, since his arrival, numerous issues have emerged, including command problems. Shortly after his arrival, the AA launched an improvised rocket attack on the naval base, killing two naval personnel. The Army soldiers have also been defiant toward his leadership. He prohibited Army troops from entering the naval base. The Army troops were also unhappy with the commander and other naval officers, who were evacuating to safe places using naval vessels during the AA's heavier attacks”, said the junta naval source.
On 17 August 2024, an improvised rocket attack hit the naval base, killing a private and a low-ranking officer. This was the second rocket attack on the base. Previously, a 20 July rocket attack on the base killed two privates.
On 17 August there was fighting around The Thadar Kyauk Pagoda, also known as the Western Shwedagon, less than half a mile from the Maung Shwe Lay Naval Base which has heightened military tensions in the area.
Currently, the AA controls all of Ngapali Town including Gyeiktaw Ward, and Thandwe Town. If it manages to capture the Maung Shwe Lay Naval Base, the AA will control all of Thandwe Township.
Residents have fled the fighting in Thandwe Township and are sheltering in Gwa Township in Ararkan State. Currently they are unable to return home.
