Ongoing Intense Fighting in Maungdaw Township
Border News Agency
Maungdaw, November 3.
In Maungdaw Township, fighting continues to intensify, particularly around the old city chief's village, where the border guard outpost known as No. 5 is located. Local residents report that the Arakan Army (AA) has launched further attacks today, November 3.
In the vicinity of the Maungdaw Township clashes, the military council's forces have been conducting airstrikes within a four-mile radius of the combat zone. According to military council sources, today, they carried out airstrikes that hit the compound of the No. 5 border guard outpost, causing explosions within the compound.
As a result of the strikes, several military camps, minefields, and personnel from the military council have suffered casualties. There has been a noticeable increase in desertion among military personnel, with reports of infighting emerging. The military council's forces are at risk of losing their strongholds as well.
The AA has publicly declared on September 27 that they will continue to intensify their attacks to capture the No. 5 border guard outpost, and they have indeed been executing assaults while also pausing for regrouping and resupply, as reported by local residents.
The AA has been attacking with heavy weaponry and significant numbers while the military council is reportedly retaliating with intense firepower. Residents indicate that the fighting has led to casualties on both sides.
In an effort to prevent the loss of the outpost, the military council has been resupplying with food and ammunition through air support and is heavily defending against AA's ground assaults. Residents from Udaung village expressed their concerns about the increased use of drones and aircraft, noting that they are anxious about incoming attacks.
Beyond the immediate combat zones, airstrikes and naval bombardments have also targeted civilian areas, leading to damage to villages, schools, and monasteries, resulting in civilian casualties.
The headquarters of the Maungdaw regional military command is reportedly the last stronghold of the military council in the Maungdaw district, and it is described as one of the most fortified positions.
Within the compound, strategic military personnel, including commanding officers, are reportedly coordinating defenses against the ongoing assaults. According to military sources, the forces stationed there include units from Karen State and Bago Region.
Moreover, military personnel are said to be struggling with insufficient medical supplies, which has resulted in unaddressed casualties among border guard personnel who have suffered injuries.
The conflict is causing significant disruptions to local life, with reports of families unable to communicate and people going without food or medical care due to the situation.
The AA's ongoing military operations aim to fully capture this headquarters, which would enhance their control over the area and significantly impact trade routes with Bangladesh and India.
Local residents express grave concerns over the risks associated with airstrikes, which have become a major threat to their safety and livelihood.
