Intense Fighting Continues in Maungdaw and Maung Ni Village
Border News Agency
Maungdaw, August 7.
Fighting remains severe in Maungdaw, with the Arakan Army (AA) continuing its efforts to seize the town. According to local sources, the battle in Maung Ni Village has intensified as of August 7.
On August 6, the AA captured the Maung Ni Chaung Waing camp near the Nat River, but the Myanmar military forces reportedly retreated into Maung Ni Village and continue to defend their position. Alongside these military personnel, armed fighters identified as Rohingya insurgents are also participating in the conflict. The villagers are reportedly being threatened and coerced not to leave the village, resulting in civilian casualties and injuries.
A resident of Maung Ni Village told Border News Agency, "The Myanmar military has shot and killed those who tried to flee the village. The remaining villagers are being threatened not to leave; if they attempt to escape, they will be shot. The soldiers are firing from within the village."
The intense fighting has led to both Muslim and Rakhine civilians suffering deaths and injuries. In Maungdaw town and its surroundings, including nearby villages, religious schools, and medical facilities, the Myanmar military and Rohingya insurgents have reportedly taken refuge and are defending their positions.
In Maungdaw town, including the city’s administrative and educational buildings, Rohingya insurgents are said to have set up positions and are fighting alongside Myanmar military personnel. Additionally, the Myanmar Immigration Office and other significant buildings are reportedly occupied by armed insurgents and military personnel.
Residents have reported that insurgents and military forces have occupied and are fighting from various key locations in the town, including schools, administrative offices, and sports grounds.
According to another resident from Maung Ni Village, "The Myanmar soldiers and insurgents are everywhere in the village. They are forcing the villagers to stay close. There are deaths and injuries daily from the fighting. The exact number of deaths in the village is unknown."
Muslim refugees from Maungdaw have fled to cities like Yangon and are in urgent need of food, shelter, and medical assistance. International aid, particularly from the Bangladeshi government, is necessary to support these displaced persons.
If not for the support of the armed insurgents, the Myanmar military forces might have already suffered more casualties and retreated, with the AA potentially having fully captured Maungdaw by now, according to some reports. Insurgents, who are also involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal logging, have been working with the Myanmar military, resulting in prolonged fighting and daily civilian casualties.
The armed insurgents in Maungdaw, identified as ARSA, RSU, and ARA, are estimated to number around five thousand, according to sources.
(Photo - A scene from Maung Ni Village in Maungdaw District, captured on the evening of August 7, showing the ongoing conflict. / Social Media)
