Arakha Times, 11 December 2024
The Arakan Army (AA) has gained full control of the Bangladesh border in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, capturing a high-ranking military council leader, Brigadier General Thurain Htun, along with other personnel and military equipment.
In a statement, the AA announced the capture of the commander of the 15th Military Operations Command (Sa Ka Sa 15), Brigadier General Thurain Htun, as well as the unit’s personal officer, Captain Wai Lin Aung. Several Muslim militants and a significant stockpile of military equipment were also seized.
While Maungdaw town was taken on 8 September 2024, the Maungdaw Border Guard Camp, known as Na Kha Kha 5, remained under military council control until it was captured on 8 December.
The AA reported that the heavily fortified Na Kha Kha 5 camp, defended by over 700 troops and surrounded by more than 1,000 M14 landmines, was successfully breached and taken over.
The camp was protected by double layers of barbed wire, 20-foot-wide trenches in some areas, spikes, and over 20 bunkers. In total, more than 100 overhead shelters were constructed in a rectangular defensive layout. Additionally, the camp contained over 30 large, sturdy buildings, and a surrounding stream served as a natural barrier, making access extremely challenging.
Despite these formidable defences, the AA stated that it eliminated more than 450 of the over 700 military council troops stationed at Na Kha Kha 5 during the battle.
The Arakan Army also emphasised the strong coordination between its brigades during the battle to capture Maungdaw. It stated the importance of deeply recording and honouring the sacrifices of fallen Arakan soldiers, injured comrades, and others who contributed to the victory.
Currently, some members of the Military Council who escaped from the Na Kha Kha 5 camp are being actively pursued. The Arakan Army further announced that it is systematically targeting and attacking the remaining Military Council camps in Ann, Toungok, and Gwa towns.