Military News Updates – December 11, 2024 Evening
๐ฉ๐ฉ 1. AA Announces Full Control Over Maungdaw Region
December 11
The Arakan Army (AA) announced early this morning that it has achieved full control over the entire Maungdaw region following the capture of the last remaining military post, Border Guard Police Division No. 5 (BGP-5), on December 8.
BGP-5, the last military stronghold in Maungdaw, fell to AA forces on the morning of December 8 at 9:30 AM after intense fighting. This marks the complete takeover of the Maungdaw region by AA.
The AA had launched an offensive on November 13, 2023, aiming to capture all military outposts in the Arakan region, including those along the Bangladesh-Arakan border.
The BGP-5 camp, which housed over 700 personnel, included members of the Myanmar military, as well as Islamist extremist armed groups such as RSO, ARSA, and ARA. These forces mounted heavy resistance using ground forces and air support.
AA encircled the camp for nearly two months, initiating an assault on October 14 that lasted 55 days. According to AA, strategic coordination and collaborative efforts between its divisions played a key role in the victory.
The conflict reportedly resulted in over 450 casualties on the military side, including senior officers such as Colonel Thurein Htun, the commander of Operation Command No. 15 in Buthidaung, and his aide, Major Wai Lin Aung. Many others, including personnel from extremist groups, were captured along with weapons, ammunition, and supplies.
The AA commemorated the sacrifice of its soldiers, who fought with great courage and determination. The group is now pursuing remaining military personnel who fled the BGP-5 camp.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 2. Hundreds of Soldiers Surrender with White Flags at BGP-5
December 11
The Arakan Army released video footage showing hundreds of Myanmar military personnel surrendering with white flags during the final assault on BGP-5 in Maungdaw.
BGP-5, located in the Myothugyi ward of Maungdaw, was heavily fortified with barbed wire, minefields, and defensive trenches, some up to 20 feet wide. The camp featured over 100 bunkers and overhangs, with more than 30 large reinforced structures.
The video showed AA forces firing heavy artillery at the camp while government troops surrendered with white flags.
During the 55-day offensive, AA captured numerous weapons, ammunition, and supplies. Many military personnel, including officers and members of Islamist armed groups trained by the Myanmar military, were also detained.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 3. Over 450 Casualties and Senior Officers Captured at BGP-5
December 11
The Arakan Army reported the capture of numerous prisoners, including Colonel Thurein Htun, the commander of Operation Command No. 15, during the battle for BGP-5.
BGP-5, located in Myothugyi ward, was a well-fortified camp defended by over 700 personnel. Its layout included reinforced trenches, wide defensive moats, and natural barriers, making it a challenging target for AA forces.
The AA’s mine clearance team neutralized over 1,000 landmines planted around the camp, though some AA personnel sustained severe injuries in the process.
The Myanmar military reportedly suffered over 450 fatalities, while AA captured senior officers, extremist fighters, and a large cache of weapons and ammunition.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 4. Military Defections Following the Death of a Sniper Commander Near Gwa
December 11
Reports from local sources indicate increased defections from Myanmar military forces near Gwa following the death of a key sniper commander during clashes on December 10.
The battle occurred 4 miles from Gwa town, near the villages of Si Pin and Kyauk Kyi. After the sniper commander’s death, government troops stationed at Si Pin reportedly withdrew to Battalion 562.
Clashes have intensified around Gwa over the past two months, with the AA advancing steadily toward the town. These developments have led to continued defections as soldiers surrender and lay down arms.
Battalion 562 and naval forces have been providing artillery support to government troops, but the military is reportedly retreating due to mounting losses.
According to recent reports, some injured soldiers are being evacuated from Battalion 562, while military vehicles have been deployed to key junctions and roads within the Gwa region.
The AA has stated that its operations in Maungdaw, including the capture of BGP-5, are part of a broader strategy to take control of other towns like Ann, Taungup, and Gwa.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 5. Attack on Tamwe Township Municipal Office with Hand Grenades Injures Two Staff Members
December 11
In Yangon Region's Tamwe Township, the municipal office, accused of intimidating and exploiting local vendors, was attacked with hand grenades. According to the Freeland Attack Force (FLA), two non-CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement) staff members were injured in the attack.
The municipal office staff, who often accompany administrative officials during inspections, have reportedly been using their authority to intimidate and extort money from vendors. Despite repeated warnings, they did not desist, leading to this retaliatory action, the FLA explained.
The attack occurred around 7:00 PM on December 10 and was jointly carried out by the FLA and the Anonymous Fighters Force (AFF). At the time of the attack, three non-CDM staff members were present in the office, two of whom sustained injuries.
Following the attack, military and police vehicles, as well as ambulances, arrived at the scene. The military regime's forces subsequently set up roadblocks and conducted inspections in the Tamwe Junction and Kyauk Myaung areas.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 6. Eight Soldiers Killed in Landmine Ambush While Being Deployed to Shan State
December 11
Eight newly graduated soldiers from Basic Military Training Batch 5 at the No. 6 Military Training Camp in Pathein Township, Ayeyarwady Region, were killed in a landmine ambush while being transported to Shan State, according to reports from the Pathein News Special Force.
These soldiers, trained under the command of Lieutenant Colonels Kyaw Ngwe and Zaw Zaw at the No. 6 Camp, also known locally as the Shwe Myint Tin Camp, were ambushed on December 7 while en route to Shan State.
The deceased included three recruits from Kan Gyi Taung Township, one from Maung Mya Township, and two each from Warkhema and Yay Kyi Townships. Reports indicate that the soldiers had been distributed to various military units, including Infantry Battalions 104 (Kyaikmaraw), 208 (Mawlamyine), and 555 (Kyar Thoo Ya), as well as units in Rakhine and Shan States, between November 29 and 30. Recruits assigned to frontline units were deployed, while others were tasked with sentry duties at their respective bases.
Currently, it is reported that around five soldiers loyal to the military regime, led by Maung Thay, an administrator from a nearby village, arrived at Kyet Paung Village on November 9 and have yet to leave.
Additionally, the administrator of Ward 6 in Pathein held a meeting with local residents yesterday, during which they were informed that two new recruits must be provided for military service. As an alternative, households could pay 700,000 MMK to avoid conscription.
The above military-related news was provided by Radio NUG's correspondent Ko Khant.
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