AA kills Myanmar Junta general near Kyaukphyu

A regime general was killed in fighting around the port of Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State as the Arakan Army (AA) advances on the Chinese investment hub this week, The Irrawaddy reports

Fighting was reported around Pyaing Si Kay village on the Kyaukphyu-Ramree road, 5km south of Kyaukphyu town, with the AA seizing several junta positions that defended a police battalion headquarters, according to Rakhine media reports.

Fighting was also reported near China’s oil and gas terminal.

On Monday, Brigadier General Kyaw Myo Aung, a Division 11 strategist, was shot by AA marksmen along with an army captain, according to the Rakhine media.

It was reported that his body was flown to Yangon on a special flight on Tuesday.

The family’s funeral invitation was published online. It said Kyaw Myo Aung, 45, died on Tuesday while performing his duties and he was buried at Mingaladon military cemetery in Yangon on Thursday.

Fighting continues in Kyaukphyu with the regime using airpower, naval vessels and ground troops to defend the town.

Chinese private security groups protecting Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative investments in Kyaukphyu are reportedly helping the regime with drone attacks against the AA, according to the Rakhine media.

The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports.

In February, the regime enacted the Private Security Service Law, which enables armed security personnel from China to operate in Myanmar to protect Beijing’s interests. Chinese personnel have arrived since February in Kyaukphyu, where China is building a major port to gain access to the Indian Ocean.

Regime administrators are leaving Kyaukphyu as fighting approaches, according to the Rakhine media.

The Chinese oil and gas pipelines connecting Yunnan province with the Indian Ocean begin in Kyaukphyu.

Since launching an offensive against the regime in November 2023, the AA has liberated 14 out of Rakhine State’s 17 townships and Paletwa Township in southern Chin State. The armed group is still fighting to seize the Rakhine capital, Sittwe.

Regime airstrikes are targeting villages and towns under AA control, killing numerous civilians.

The AA this year expanded its operations into neighboring Magwe, Bago and Ayeyarwady regions.