Border News Agency
Ponnagyun, October 15
Both sides have suffered heavy casualties in the battle for Ngapyi Island, where Myanmar’s military is trying to capture the island through an amphibious assault, according to local military sources.
Ngapyi Island is located at the mouth of the Kaladan River. It is an important strategic point for controlling access to the river. As a result, both sides are fighting fiercely to control the island, the sources said.
“The Arakkha Army has the advantage in ground fighting. The military junta is providing very heavy air support. Both sides have suffered heavy casualties,” a local military source told Border News Agency.
The military junta reportedly captured a landing point on Ngapyi Island through a combined operation involving ground troops, naval forces, and air power. However, its forces are now facing strong attacks from the Arakkha Army.
Some Arakkha Army ground personnel confirmed that several of their fighters, including Major Naga, were killed in recent days by airstrikes carried out by the military junta.
According to these sources, Major Naga and his team had attacked junta naval vessels approaching the island. They were later killed in bombing attacks carried out by military aircraft.
Arakkha Army personnel said their forces were continuing to defend the island fiercely. They claimed that whenever one fighter was killed, another was quickly sent to replace them. They also said that replacements were sent quickly even when five fighters were killed.
“The junta is providing heavy support from its army, navy, and air force. Our side is fighting hard on the ground. The junta’s aircraft come and attack every day,” another local military source told BNA.
The sources also reported that the junta was carrying out heavy airstrikes on Kyim Khway Maw, including areas believed to be used by the Arakkha Army to store or transport military supplies and ammunition. Naval vessels were also providing artillery support.
Large junta naval vessels have reportedly been stationed near Pwe Kyi Taung, on the eastern bank of the Kaladan River, where they are providing fire support.
If the military junta gains full control of Ngapyi Island, its naval vessels could enter and operate more freely along the Kaladan River, the sources said.
This could also allow junta naval vessels to provide artillery support along the river. Civilian communities living along the banks of the Kaladan River could face an increased risk of being targeted by shelling and other attacks, according to the sources.
The sources further claimed that junta soldiers had suffered deaths and injuries during the assault. They also said that junta naval vessels had come under attack and were now reluctant to approach the island closely.
