The Arakan Army (AA) of Myanmar claimed to seize 142 Myanmar junta positions across 15 out of 17 townships in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township in neighboring Chin State.
It stated in a recent statement that during 45 days of attacks major targets, including a base in the state capital Sittwe and outposts in 14 other townships in Rakhine State, had been seized along with around 17 positions in Paletwa.
Clashes were reported in Maungdaw and Pauktaw this week and AA attacks continue on a major junta camp in Paletwa. The Traunaing and Hnone Buu strongholds in the township have already fallen.
On Tuesday, the AA attacked a junta outpost in Sinletwa, about 50km northwest of Paletwa town.
A Paletwa resident said: “Sinletwa villagers have fled into the jungle. Phone and internet lines have been cut and we haven’t heard from them.”
Since November 13 the junta has arrested at least 300 Rakhine State residents, according to the AA. On Monday and Tuesday around 60 residents were detained in Sittwe, Minbya, Kyauktaw, Mrauk U and Pauktaw townships, according to the AA.
Seven Pan Myaung villagers in Minbya Township were allegedly detained as human shields.
The AA’s statement said many of those detained were transporting goods by boat between Pauktaw and Sittwe.
Other detainees include merchants, students and school teachers, said a Sittwe resident.
“The junta is arresting people in Kyaukphyu, Thandwe, Taungup, Sittwe, Mrauk U and Minbya each day without reason,” he said.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
