Border News Agency
Ponnagyun, September 5
Ground-based military sources have confirmed that the junta is attempting to establish a foothold and recapture Ponnagyun Township, which is under the control of the Arakha Army (AA).
The sources said the junta is conducting coordinated ground, naval, and air attacks to clear routes around the borders of Ponnagyun Township before attempting to launch amphibious operations and establish a foothold to recapture the area.
“The military is carrying out intense attacks using ground, naval, and air forces. After that, they are coming down from the Min Chaung Bridge and attempting to establish a foothold in Ponnagyun. They are trying to advance, but they are still below the Min Chaung Bridge,” a ground-based military source told Border News Agency.
The Arakha Army reported that four junta fighter jets carried out approximately 30 bombing attacks within 30 minutes, beginning at around 1:35 p.m. on September 3, targeting villages located between Ponnagyun, Sittwe, and Rathedaung townships.
The AA also reported that the junta carried out airstrikes in areas between Kwan Taung, Kone Tan, Kyi Chaung, Makala Kya, Nyo Yaung, and Min Hla villages in Ponnagyun Township, as well as between Kyet Yoe Seik and Nyaung Pin Gyi villages in Moe Sei Kan, Rathedaung Township.
The Arakha Army further reported that the junta launched artillery attacks against Ponnagyun, Sittwe, Rathedaung, and surrounding areas at around 10:00 a.m. on September 4.
Ground-based military sources said these attacks indicate that the junta is attempting to launch a counteroffensive through coordinated ground, naval, and air operations.
“The air force attacks locations where the AA could potentially launch interceptive attacks. They also shell fixed artillery positions to clear the route. Then the navy provides close-range artillery support. After that, tanks move forward, firing from the vehicles ahead, and attempt to establish a foothold,” a ground-based military source told Border News Agency.
The Arakha Army reported that junta artillery positions at seven locations in Sittwe were providing artillery support, while junta warships were also firing artillery.
The AA also reported that two junta tanks were firing artillery.
Military observers said the junta’s heavy reliance on air support and coordinated ground, naval, and air attacks appeared to be preparations for a counteroffensive, adding that some of the airstrikes had reportedly caused significant damage.
“We have noticed that the AA has suffered casualties or damage in some of the airstrikes. The military appears to be repeatedly carrying out such attacks to weaken the AA’s forces. Now, we have also noticed that the military is going as far as attempting to launch a counteroffensive using combined ground, naval, and air forces. We will have to wait and see whether the military can actually launch a counteroffensive,” a military observer told Border News Agency.
Ground-based military sources said the junta is attempting to establish a foothold and recapture Ponnagyun Township by advancing from the Min Chaung Bridge. They are also reportedly attempting to land and establish positions along the waterways, forcing nearby villages to carry out emergency evacuations.
The Arakan National League has therefore issued a warning and urged people to exercise particular caution regarding junta attacks in towns and villages, including coastal areas and areas along riverbanks.
Ground-based military sources said the junta is also attempting to launch counteroffensives through amphibious operations in townships including Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Thandwe, and Gwa.
