Military column advancing to establish camp in Mrauk-U attacked and forced to retreat in disarray, military also using incendiary bombs

AYEYARWADDY TIMES AUGUST 7 Military columns that arrived to establish a military base in Mrauk-U Township have suffered numerous casualties and are retreating in disarray due to counterattacks by the Arakan Army (AA) and allied forces, it has been learned. Although the military launched an offensive using ground forces, air support, and heavy artillery, it was forced to retreat with numerous casualties due to the systematic defense and counterattacks by the AA and allied forces. "The military columns that are advancing now are using artillery fire and direct heavy artillery fire abundantly. When asked what happened to the military, they fled," a source told the Irrawaddy Times. AA stated that in the battles that took place near Hlaingbwe and Thabyay villages on August 1 and 2, the military suffered losses and retreated despite continuous artillery support from Mrauk-U Artillery Battalion No. 344. Furthermore, among the ammunition seized during the fighting, it was found that the military had been using a large number of 60mm mortar shells, including incendiary bombs (phosphorus), in addition to landmines. Currently, the AA has deployed and controlled the entire area on the west bank of the Ngawan River in the four townships of Hlaingbwe, Thabyay, and Mrauk-U, through which military columns can enter Rakhine State's southern Mrauk-U Township. The military has deployed its columns through Thabyay's Setdaunggyi, to their military bases at Pyar Gyi and Kamba Gyi camp in Mrauk-U, where they have established their military bases. Photo: MWD (old photo)