Myanmar junta struggles in Rakhine as Arakan Army gains ground

The Arakan Army (AA) pressed forward with its offensive in Rakhine State, advancing to Gwa Township, where they launched attacks on junta forces positioned at a checkpoint near a bridge in Chinkwin village, Kyeintali sub-township, The Irrawaddy reports.

Around 70 junta soldiers and militia members were positioned at the checkpoint, located 48km south of Thandwe town and 40km from Gwa town.

Residents reported that the regime forces had previously blown up the bridge twice in July to slow the AA’s advance.

On Friday, junta troops retreated from the Chinkwin checkpoint, regrouping with other forces at a bridge 9km away.

In response, the regime launched at least three airstrikes in the area on Saturday. The extent of civilian casualties remains unclear.

That same day, the AA also launched rocket attacks on junta troops stationed at a hilltop monastery in Kyeintali town, resulting in casualties.

Residents reported that troops at this location had been firing indiscriminately on nearby villages.

Witnesses indicated that numerous junta soldiers were killed in the attack, with one resident noting that half of the monastery collapsed.

Elsewhere, gunfire was reported near Thapan Kwin village at the entrance to Kyeintali town on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the regime has fortified Taungup, where the AA took control of most of the township last month.

Junta troops have barred residents from leaving the town and have occupied Taungup University and local homes.

Since launching its offensive late last year, the AA has seized control of most of northern Rakhine and neighboring Paletwa Township in Chin State.

12,000 Civilians Rescued in Maungdaw

Meanwhile, the AA has rescued over 12,000 civilians trapped in Maungdaw Township, located on the western border of Rakhine State, amid ongoing heavy fighting.

The rescue operation, conducted from August 7 to 9, successfully evacuated civilians, including Arakanese, Hindus, Rohingya Muslims, and other groups, from several villages and wards in the area, Narinjara reported.

The AA stated that the rescue efforts were ongoing, focusing on those used as human shields by junta forces or otherwise trapped in the conflict zone.

Rescued individuals were relocated to safe locations and provided with food and medical care. However, there were casualties during the operations.

The AA has recently gained control of most of Maungdaw, intensifying its offensive to fully secure the area.