Myanmar military targets civilians as AA steps up efforts to take key naval base

Myanmar’s military is carrying out airstrikes on civilian areas in Rakhine State as the Arakan Army (AA) intensifies its efforts to capture the strategically important Taung Maw Oo naval base in Kyaukphyu Township, according to local residents. Shortly after midnight on Sunday, a military aircraft dropped three bombs on Thit Ka Toe, a village about 7 miles from the base, injuring three displaced people, including a 12-year-old child, sources said. The strike came less than an hour after attacks on the villages of Ku Lar Twin and Ba Yar, where several homes were reportedly destroyed and livestock killed. Residents said military airstrikes have increased as the AA presses its offensive against the naval base. “Recently, the threat of airstrikes has been constant and has increased significantly compared to normal,” one resident told Myanmar Now. “Whenever junta forces suffer heavy casualties, their air force inevitably follows.” Attacks have also been reported in neighbouring Ramree Township, south of Kyaukphyu. On June 5, a drone strike on Lay Taung town killed a 19-year-old man, according to local residents. Another strike on the town the previous day reportedly killed several domestic animals. Residents said the military appears to be targeting civilian areas in an effort to relieve pressure on forces defending the Taung Maw Oo naval base. The Taung Maw Oo naval base has become a focal point in the AA’s ongoing offensive in Rakhine State. Local residents said the armed group has recently captured several outer defensive positions surrounding the base, including hilltop camps at Sa Bai Shaung, Dway Cha, Hmyaw Chaung. and Yae Nan Thu. Heavy fighting is now reportedly centred on the Ywar Haung Taung hilltop outpost, the last major defensive position before the naval base itself. “The Taung Maw Oo naval base is likely to fall soon,” a resident said. “Earlier, gunfire could be heard nearby, but now it can only be heard from a distance, suggesting the fighting has moved deeper toward the main base.” Junta forces previously used the Taung Maw Oo naval base as a staging area for operations aimed at retaking Sane, a town under AA control, but that counteroffensive has since died down, residents said. Fighting has also continued in Sittwe Township, where residents reported exchanges of artillery fire and drone attacks. Clashes have also been reported along Rakhine State’s border with neighbouring Magway, Ayeyarwady and Sagaing regions. The AA controls 14 of Rakhine State’s 17 townships, as well as Paletwa in southern Chin State. The group has vowed to seize all of Rakhine State by the end of next year.

Myanmar military targets civilians as AA steps up efforts to take key naval base

Residents say the group appears to be coming closer to taking the Taung Maw Oo naval base in Kyaukphyu Township

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