In the fierce battle raging in Ann Town, an Arakan Army (AA) sharpshooter killed a high-ranking officer leading a hilltop artillery unit. The conflict in the area remains heated as AA forces target military positions and press on with attacks on strategic sites.
Updates from military-linked channels report that AA snipers have killed one soldier and wounded 40 others in the ongoing fight near the Western Command base in Ann Town. The injured troops have been moved to Magway Hospital for care.
Trusted military contacts verified that Major Aung Kyaw, posted at an artillery base, was fatally shot by an AA sniper around 11:00 am on November 4.
"He was commanding a hilltop artillery post, with AA fighters nearby. The military fires shells daily. This morning at 11, an AA sniper hit him in the head, killing him on the spot," a source said.
A military-linked channel shared similar info on November 4, noting AA sniper fire caused one death and 40 injuries among troops fighting near the Western Command.
"We've heard about losses from the enemy's attack on our base. A sniper killed one soldier and hurt 40 others, not critically. They're all getting treatment at Magway Hospital," the report stated.
On November 3, hundreds of soldiers, including new recruits, arrived to bolster forces, along with armored vehicles, according to military channels.
"The second wave of backup troops came yesterday. New recruits asked to join another assault, so we agreed. For safety, they're with the armored units," a military channel said.
Locals report heavy fighting continues in Ann Town, with AA forces attacking military positions in Block 5 of Myo Thit Ward for four straight days.
"There's fighting behind Aye Yeik Thar Monastery in Myo Thit Ward. You hear planes and shelling every day," a resident shared.
On November 3, the military flew in weapons, medical supplies, and food to the Ann-based Western Command. Helicopters landed six times that day, with two choppers touching down each time on the base's soccer field. On November 4, two more helicopters made two additional landings, totaling four more arrivals.
On October 28, the military sent backup to the No. 757 Electrical Corps in Ann Taung village-tract, Ann Town. More troops were also sent to the Western Command through the Electrical Corps.
Locals saw a Y-12 plane drop over 100 weapons and food packs by parachute.
The Arakan Army (AA) has taken several key spots, including the 373rd Light Infantry Battalion, the 300-bed military hospital, Kant Kaw Ta Htaung and Pu Laung Taung Pagoda Hills, the military intelligence unit, Microwave Hill near Western Command, No. 8 Combat Training School, the BE Battalion, Tha Yet Pin Camp, and Border Areas and National Races checkpoints.
In Ann Town, only the Western Command and a few fighting units remain. The junta mostly defends the area using air force operations.
File Photo: A sniper training of AA
