AA Forces Launch Assaults in Taungkok Township
Taungkok, November 4. The Arakan Army (AA) has been conducting attacks in Taungkok Township since November 3, according to local residents. This effort appears to be aimed at capturing the area, with significant activity reported near the entrance to Taungkok.
Reports indicate that since October 31, AA forces have targeted the main military base of the 5th Tactical Command located in the nearby mountain area. In particular, attacks have been directed at the Kyainshwe Bridge, where AA forces are confronting military council troops who have fortified their positions.
One local resident mentioned to Border News Agency, "The army has begun assaults from the Kyainshwe Bridge. We have heard of many casualties among soldiers due to heavy fighting. The military is responding with heavy artillery and airstrikes."
There are also reports of clashes at Taungkok University, where military council troops are entrenched. Locals indicate that the military has been heavily utilizing airstrikes in this area.
Additionally, AA forces have been intensifying their attacks on the mountain stronghold, which is strategically significant for the military's control of Taungkok. This mountain is located about six miles northeast of Taungkok and is crucial for maintaining military operations in the region.
Residents describe a chaotic situation with both sides exchanging heavy fire, including artillery and air support from the military. One local stated, "The AA is actively targeting the artillery base. The military is attacking with aircraft and heavy weapons."
The 5th Tactical Command is strategically located near the Arakan Mountain range and controls vital access routes to and from other areas in Rakhine State. Local residents report that AA forces have effectively blocked most roads leading to Taungkok, limiting military movements.
With the recent assaults, the AA seems determined to take full control of Taungkok Township, which observers believe could lead to further military operations against the military council's positions in the area.
While there are reported deployments of around 500 troops in Taungkok, many are noted to be inexperienced or have suffered losses in previous conflicts. A military observer commented, "Although the military has reinforced positions and established new defenses, they may struggle to hold them against concentrated AA attacks."
Within Taungkok Township, the 5th Tactical Command is not the only military presence, as there are also units 346 and 544 stationed in the area. However, unit 346 has reportedly been significantly weakened due to casualties in recent battles, leaving the command vulnerable.
Consequently, the 5th Tactical Command has been fortifying its defenses at critical locations since June 8 in anticipation of further attacks from the AA, including at the mountain stronghold and along key routes into Taungkok.
On June 13, the military council reportedly destroyed the Shwekan Bridge on the Taungkok-Am highway, blocking access to and from the city and implementing strict checks on movement.
Overall, residents claim that the AA has managed to effectively control major transport routes in the Taungkok region, making it difficult for the military to maneuver.
As the military conducts air operations around Taungkok, local residents are reporting increased activity from both military aircraft and ground attacks.
The Arakan Army has reportedly already secured the 15th and 9th Tactical Commands, and if it succeeds in taking the 5th Tactical Command in Taungkok, it would result in a significant strategic setback for the military.
Under the command of the 5th Tactical Command, several military units, including the 346th and 544th infantry regiments, have been stationed near Taungkok, but reports suggest that many troops are poorly equipped and demoralized.
Given the ongoing hostilities and the AA's offensive capabilities, observers are noting a significant shift in control dynamics in the Taungkok area, which is now considered under severe threat of being completely overrun by AA forces.