The Arakan Army announced on January 31 that it had captured the 540th Light Infantry Battalion based in Mrauk-U, which captured and killed local people as human shields.
“The 540th Battalion is at the entrance of Mrauk-U Town. Every time there is a battle, they fire large and small weapons into Mrauk-U Town. It is a major battalion that causes trouble to the residents of Mrauk-U for no reason. They open gates at the entrance of the town, check the people, and arrest them if they are suspicious. When the AA takes it over completely, they (junta troops) can no longer shoot into the town. People also get away from the troubles they (junta troops) give,” said a resident of Mrauk-U.
The junta troops of the 540th Light Infantry Battalion captured and killed three Mrauk-U local men as human shields in December, and the Arakan Army (AA) said that it would retaliate decisively on the matter, and the occupation was completed on January 30.
“Now, the 540th Battalion, which was taken over by the AA, had been arresting and killing Rakhine people and destroying various ancient heritages. Houses burned down when they fired heavy weapons a few days ago. At least four people were killed, and others injured,” said a resident of Mrauk U who lost his house due to heavy weapons fired by the 540th Battalion.
The 540th Light Infantry Battalion based in Mrauk-U Town fired heavy weapons during the battles in Rakhine, resulting in the collapse of the Mrauk-U Archaeological Museum, the destruction of ancient relics, the destruction of ancient stupas, the collapse of the EPC office that supplies electricity to Mrauk-U Town, and the destruction of local residents’ houses.