Tatmadaw, Arakan Army Clash in Chin State Paletwa
With troop reinforcements sent to the area by government forces, the AA says fighting is likely to continue.
By NETWORK MEDIA GROUP (NMG)
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Clashes broke out between the Burma Army and the Arakan Army (AA) in Paletwa Township in Chin State on Tuesdaythe fourth round of battles in recent days.
According to Khaing Thukha, who is in charge of the AA information department, the clashes occurred less than two kilometers from Mwelatwa village in the northern part of the township. The fighting lasted from 11:45 a.m. until about 12:30 p.m.
It was an intense clash between the two forces, he told NMG, adding that battles had occurred on October 14, 15, 17 and 23, and were likely timed with the end of the annual rains. [The Tatmadaw] used to launch military offensives after the monsoon season had finished, he said.
In the most recent conflict, the AA says it was the militarys Light Infantry Battalion 380, which is under Military Operation Command 9, that was involved.
NMG contacted the militarys True News Information Team but did not receive a response and could not confirm the number of casualties. Khaing Thukha said that the AA had seized weapons, ammunition and military equipment.
He also explained that clashes are expected to continue in the area, as the government forces have reportedly sent additional troops to Paletwa.
“They sent reinforcement troops into the conflict area after the recent clashes finished. They are still sending their troops, Khaing Thukha said. The situation is still highly intense. Therefore, clashes can occur at any time.
The AA belongs to a military alliance with the Kachin Independence Army, the Ta ang National Liberation army, and the ethnic Kokang Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army. It is also a member of the political alliance the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee.
