By Nway / MPA
The Arakan Army (AA) announced on Friday that it has fully seized control of Toungup Town in Rakhine State, following a 17-day offensive that lasted from November 4 to 20.
During the operation, the AA overran nine military outposts on the town’s outskirts and captured the Toungup central police station, solidifying its hold on the area.
A Rakhine writer told MPA, “The AA’s statement announced the complete capture of Toungup town, with ongoing operations to seize the remaining three major bases in Toungup Township. It appears unlikely that these outposts will hold out much longer, as morale among Min Aung Hlaing’s troops is reportedly collapsing. Many soldiers are unclear about the purpose of their fight, leading some to retreat under the pressure of intense combat.”
The AA also exposed its simultaneous attack on key military bases in the surrounding area— the headquarters of No. 5 Military Operations Command and its subordinate Light Infantry Battalions, 346 and 544.
The AA has urged civilians in Toungup and surrounding areas to relocate to safer zones and has facilitated the evacuation of most residents to minimize harm.
According to the AA’s announcement, they are conducting simultaneous offensives aimed at capturing all remaining towns still under military control in the region.
In recent months, the AA has carried out major operations targeting military installations in Ann, Toungup, and Gwa Townships. They are also advancing to capture the final No. 5 Border Guard Force base in Maungdaw Township, a key step toward securing full control of the area.
