RAKHINE STATE – The Arakan Army (AA) fired heavy weapons at the junta council’s Amyintkyun base at the entrance of Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, and it resulted in an exchange of fire, according to residents.
Around 9 p.m. on February 11, following the attack on the Amyintkyun base of the junta council, the Arakan Army and junta forces engaged in an exchange of fire.
“Around 9 p.m. last night (February 11), there was exchange of artillery fire around Amyintkyun. The sounds of artillery were not the same but it was noticeably loud. There was a battle,” said a resident.
The Arakan Army has blocked off the junta bases and battalions around Sittwe for months and started launching frequent attacks starting this month.
At least three junta bases around Sittwe were similarly attacked by the Arakan Army around 11 p.m. on February 7.
“AA attacked the junta battalions at Padaleik, Amyinkyun and Yaychanpyin using heavy weapons and drones. There were exchange of attacks using snipers before but this might signal that the actual offensive has begun to seize Sittwe,” said a news source.
In addition to attacking the junta battalions and bases, the Arakan Army is also firing heavy weapons at the junta navy ships anchored at Shwemingan Navy Base and at the mouth of Kaladan River.
AA stated that they conduced sniper attacks on several junta bases on February 9 and that there are attacks almost daily.
“The sound of gunfire can be heard more often at night. It is said that there are battles. The people in the city are unfocused, anxious and unsure where to go,” said a resident of Sittwe.
Residents also shared that the junta council conducted aerial attacks in addition to artillery strikes.
The Arakan Army has been cooperating with the local defence forces in the regions connected to Magway, Bago and Ayeyarwaddy Divisions to attack and capture the junta bases and outposts and is now heading towards an offensive to capture Sittwe.
