Burmese government forces clashed with the rebel Arakan Army (AA) on 17 and 18 April in the western Burmese district of Kyauktaw, both sides have confirmed.

State media reported that the Burmese army had on Friday engaged Arakanese [Rakhine] troops of the AA near the village of Pinlon, about 14 miles to the west of Kyauktaw in Arakan State. The same day, another skirmish was reported near Aunglanchaung, resulting in AA forces withdrawing from their positions on a hill overlooking the village.

The report said two rucksacks, 120,000 kyat (US$4,000) in cash, an iPad, a mobile phone and a compass were seized from the rebels.

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The AA reported clashing with the Burmese army near the villages of Sabaseik and Aunglanchaung on 18 April, claiming that the hostilities were the “longest and the fiercest” fighting ever seen by the rebel group in Arakan State.

According to the AA report, one Arakanese fighter was injured. It said the Tatmadaw [Burmese army] was mobilising more units into the area, indicating more fighting in the future.