The Arakan Army (AA) has initiated an offensive against the military junta’s 536th light infantry battalion, 537th light infantry battalion and 538th light infantry battalion, stationed in Rathedaung township of Rakhine State and the AA fighters may capture the town any moment, claimed a reliable source.

The junta soldiers have already abandoned two battalions and they are now regrouping in the 538th battalion.

“The soldiers are now defending the 538th battalion. Some soldiers from the 22nd division, previously stationed at the 536th battalion, abandoned their camp and joined the 538th battalion. The intense fighting persisted for many hours,” added the source.

There is anticipation that all these battalions will fall soon and come under the control of AA.

On 14 January, the junta withdrew soldiers from Yae Soe Chaung tactical operation command base, Htee Swel tactical operation command base, Sauk Khet base and Ma Nyin Taung base in northern Rathedaung locality and reallocated them to reinforce Rathedaung battalions.

Over 100 soldiers, including the tactical operation commander of Yae Soe Chaung tactical operation command base, surrendered to the AA the next day.

The AA declared its intention to continue the offensives against the remaining Rakhine towns with an aim to make the entire Rakhine region a junta-free zone.

Meanwhile, the AA issued a warning to all junta forces in the Rakhine region to surrender.