A source in the military told DVB on the condition of anonymity that the Arakan Army (AA) launched an artillery attack on regime outposts at Padaleik and Amyintkyun villages, including a naval base near Shwemingan Port, in Sittwe Township on Feb. 7.
“This seems to be a preemptive strike. There are also reports of sniper and machine gun fire targeting security posts. The regime forces are responding with their own artillery fire,” the source added.
“Tensions have been high in Sittwe since Feb. 4. Those with financial means have already evacuated to Yangon by air,” a Sittwe resident told DVB.
Padaleik village is located just 10 miles north (16 km) of the Arakan (Rakhine) State capital.
This is where the military’s Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 232 and 344 are based and it’s the first line of defence for the Regional Operations Command headquarters.
The regime outposts in Sittwe are located 44 miles (70 km) south of Rathedaung Township, which is under AA control.
Fighting between the AA and the military near Sittwe and Ponnagyun townships has been ongoing for nearly one year. On Jan. 16, the Myanmar Air Force carried out airstrikes on Wabo village in Sittwe.
The AA has taken control of 14 out of 17 townships in Arakan since it launched its offensive on Nov. 13, 2023. Only three remain under regime control, including the capital Sittwe, the vital port town of Kyaukphyu, and the island of Manaung.
