Mizzima
In the midst of intense fighting in Rakhine state, the Arakan Army (AA) reported that on 28 February at 2:28 pm, they launched an attack that destroyed two armoured junta vehicles sent to assist in Ponnagyun Township in Rakhine State.
According to the AA, the convoy, dispatched from Sittwe township to reinforce Military Council soldiers in Ponnagyun Township, was intercepted near the Amyintgyun Bridge on the Sittwe-Ponnagyun road, resulting in the destruction of the two armoured vehicles.
The Light Infantry Battalion 550, the sole battalion in Ponnagyun Township, had been under attack by the AA since 23 February, with the operation continuing for over eight days.
In response, the Military Council ordered air support to aid the defense of the battalion, reportedly deploying a significant number of artillery units as well.
On 29 February, the AA announced their intention to intensify their offensive in an effort to capture the entire battalion.
Amidst the ongoing intense conflict in the township, residents are fleeing due to the warfare, with reports of significant damage caused by the Military Council’s airstrikes and heavy artillery fire, according to residents.
Similarly, in the northern region of Maungdaw Township, a clash erupted between an 80-strong Military Council column and the AA on the Kyainchaung-Yanaung highway. The confrontation lasted approximately two hours, resulting in the deaths of seven Military Council soldiers and the seizure of ammunition, as reported by the AA.
Sources suggest that if the Light Infantry Battalion 550, which operates under the Military Operation Command in Sittwe, falls, the AA could potentially gain control over the entire Ponnagyun Township.
