AA Captures Police Station in Kyauktaw Township
By Network Media Group
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Officers at a police station in Kyauktaw Township have surrendered without a fight to soldiers from Arakan Army (AA) as the armed group steps up its offensive since dissolving an informal ceasefire agreement with State Administration Council (SAC) in recent days in Arakan State (Rakhine State).
A local man who spoke with NMG on condition of anonymity said that nearly 40 police and their families in Ah Pouk Wa have surrendered to AA at 11 am on November 13. AA has relocated the police and their families to a secure place after taking the station.
The village is located 10 miles from Kyauktaw, where residents are preparing for fighting.
“Schools have been closed around 11 am, and all of the students have been sent home. Clash hasn’t happened in Kyauktaw town, but locals are readying their security because fighting is happening in Minbya and Rathedaung townships,” said a town resident, who explained they’re digging bunkers near their properties.
He said there are three critical military regions in Kyauktaw Township: the lower, upper, and the eastern side of the Kalandan River. People in these areas have been instructed by AA to stockpile food and water and build the bunkers in advance of fighting.
AA attacked a Border Guard Force camp under SAC and attacked a SAC vehicle convoy starting on November 13, prompting SAC to seal off Sittwe and other towns in Arakan State, including stopping vehicles in the ancient town of Mrauk-U in the north where the regime has been shelling.
AA, along with other members of the Three Brotherhood’s Alliance, has captured more than 100 SAC bases and numerous towns since initiating its 1027 Operation in northern Shan State on October 27. This offensive, which includes the participation of Kachin Independence Army, various People’s Defense Forces, and additional resistance groups, has extended its reach to Kachin State, Mandalay, Sagaing, and now Rakhine State. Meanwhile, in Karenni and southern Shan states, resistance forces there have recently commenced their own offensive operations with the aim of expelling SAC troops from their regions.
