The Info Desk of the Arakan Army has reported that it has taken over the Myoma police station in Ponnagyun Town, Rakhine State, on February 22.
The AA launched an attack on Ponnagyun Town on February 21, and it was completely captured within two days.
“There is the 550th Battalion of the junta in Ponnagyun Town. There is also a camp of the 22nd Division in the middle of the town. Including that battalion and the police station, there are only three camps in Ponnagyun. As far as we know, the soldiers of the 550th Battalion are also raising the white flag. This has not been announced, so it is not sure yet,” said a resident of Brahmin Island.
Ponnagyun Town is only 21 miles away from Sittwe City, where the Junta’s administrative office is located, and there was only the 550th Light Infantry Battalion and a police station before, but during Operation 1027, the 22nd Division is stationed in Ponnagyun Town, it is reported.
“There are no local residents in Ponnagyun Township. Almost all of them have fled the war. Those who have fled the war are staying in nearby villages, so we do not know the exact list. We need a lot of help,” said one of those who are helping displaced people in Ponnagyun Township.
Ponnagyun Township is located next to the Kalatan River and is only 16 nautical miles away from Sittwe City, where the Junta’s administrative office is located, and it was also attacked by the Junta’s naval ships.
Similarly, the junta’s naval ships fired at Ponnagyun in November 2023, resulting in the town market and house damages.
“The damage is quite large. When the market was fired with weapons by the ships, there were about 300 or 400 shops destroyed. There are people who have lost billions of Kyats (MMK). Ponnagyun is not as bad as Pauktaw and Yanbye. There are still bombings and heavy weaponry, so even if it is not as damaged as Yanbye, the situation may be worse than Pauktaw,” said a resident of Ponnagyun.
It is reported that the Arakan Army (AA) is continuing strategic battles against the military camp, strategic camps, battalions, and division headquarters of the Junta in the towns of Rathae Taung, Buthidaung, and Maungdaw, including Ponnagyun.