The Arakan Army (AA) has completely controlled Pauktaw Township in Rakhine State, _ where the fighting is fierce as the junta is intensely conducting defense attacks with the army, navy and air force, _ according to three northern alliances.
“The junta could repeat navy attacks at any time. Pauktaw town is at mouth of the sea and close to junta naval bases, so it can be attacked. The junta attacked the town of Pauktaw in all kinds of ways. So we’ll have to wait and see. It can be assumed the Arakan Army has officially announced that Pauktaw has been taken control because it has fully protected the junta’s attack routes,” said a political analyst.
According to local people, the Arakan Army (AA) had taken over the town of Pauktaw _ which is the closest town to Sittwe _ since January 19, but it was officially announced only on January 24 that the Arakan Army (AA) had completely reached to control the town.
“Pauktaw has left nothing due to the junta’s bombardment and burning. The military junta committed actions not related to fighting on both sides. So these actions are war crimes and human rights violations because they threaten and attack people’s lives and homes. The population of Pauktaw is around 2,000 to 3,000. Residential people have currently fled from fighting and can’t return immediately,” said a Rakhine human rights activist.
The Arakan Army had reportedly rescued the residents _ who were trapped in Pauktaw town after fighting _ at least 3 times, and the residents have been fleeing for more than two months.
A local in Sittwe says, “Pauktaw town is the first town in Rakhine State to be controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) _ after the AA engaged in counter skirmishes with the military junta, after starting 1027 Operation in Rakhine State on November 13, 2023.”
In addition, the fighting is still intensely going on between the Arakan Army (AA) and the junta troops _ who do not surrender _ not only in the towns of Mrauk-U and Min Pya bordering Pauktaw town _ but also in the townships of Kyauk Taw and Yathaedaung _ and, the Arakan Army (AA) is reportedly trying to capture the junta’s military headquarters and bases one after another.
