Border News Agency
Kyaukphyu, September 10.
Fighting continues across the Arakha region, with the Arakha Army (AA) continuing to surround and blockade Myanmar junta forces stationed in Kyaukphyu and Sittwe, according to research data from the Institute for Strategy and Policy–Myanmar (ISP-Myanmar).
The research indicates that the United League of Arakan/Arakha Army (ULA/AA) now controls 92.6 percent of the Paletwa area and the Arakha region. The AA has reportedly captured and established control over numerous townships, including Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Maungdaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, and Ramree.
In addition, the AA reportedly exercises territorial control over most areas along the entire Kaladan River trade route in India, as well as much of the territory where China’s Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone and deep-sea port projects are located.
Meanwhile, the Myanmar junta has declared 14 townships in the Arakha region as military administrative areas, excluding Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung townships, in an effort to resist the AA’s offensive operations.
Amid the ongoing military tensions, the junta has also blocked major transportation routes connecting mainland Myanmar with the Arakha region. As a result, local residents are facing significant restrictions on the movement and supply of goods.
Fighting has also intensified in Sittwe Township between the AA and junta forces. According to an AA statement, seven junta artillery positions have been conducting artillery attacks, while junta naval vessels have also been shelling areas around the battlefield.
In addition, two junta military trucks have reportedly been firing artillery, while the junta has been providing heavy air support and conducting combined land, naval, and air operations. Military observers monitoring the situation say these operations appear to be preparations for a counteroffensive, while some of the junta’s airstrikes have reportedly had an impact.
