Military News Updates – December 21, 2024 Evening
๐ฉ๐ฉ 1. Arakan Army claims control over two-thirds of Gwa Township
December 21
The Arakan Army (AA) has announced that despite reinforcements and support for the local battalions from the military junta, they have successfully captured approximately two-thirds of Gwa Township in Rakhine State.
Following the capture of the Western Command Headquarters in Ann Township, the Arakan Army detained two key military leaders: Deputy Commander Brigadier General Thaung Tun and Commander Brigadier General Kyaw Kyaw Than. Photographs of the captured officials were released as part of this announcement.
On December 20, at exactly 1:40 PM, the AA fully seized the headquarters of the Naval Base Command (NBC) in Ann, overcoming resistance despite the junta’s reinforcements, which included aerial support and artillery, as well as the deployment of 450 troops by air transport.
Currently, the AA continues to launch offensives against junta forces within Gwa Township. The military is using both local battalions and reinforcements from its 11th Military Division, as well as numerous other battalions, leading to intense clashes in the region.
According to local sources, the Arakan Army has taken control of key locations in Gwa, including administrative offices, the fire department, the police station, and various government offices. They also detained over 40 junta soldiers who remained in defensive positions.
The junta’s 563rd Battalion, stationed along the Thandwe-Gwa road, retreated and joined forces with the nearby 562nd Battalion to resist the AA’s advances.
The AA has already secured control over 14 towns in Rakhine State, including Paletwa, Pauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Myebon, Manaung, Ramree, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Thandwe, Taungup, Maungdaw, and Ann. If they fully capture Gwa Township, only three towns—Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung—will remain under junta control.
The AA has credited this success not only to its own efforts but also to the unified support of the people of Rakhine and the broader anti-junta resistance. They have expressed solidarity with all revolutionary forces and people resisting the fascist military regime.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 2. Arakan Army claims full seizure of NBC Headquarters in Ann despite heavy air reinforcements
December 21
The Arakan Army announced that on December 20 at 1:40 PM, it fully seized the NBC Headquarters in Ann, despite continuous airstrikes, heavy artillery support, and three waves of reinforcements totaling around 150 troops each.
The battle lasted over two weeks as the AA launched continuous assaults on the last remaining stronghold of the Western Command in Ann Township.
During the operation, the AA captured Deputy Commander Brigadier General Thaung Tun, Commander Brigadier General Kyaw Kyaw Than, and Colonel Thurain Tun, who led the 15th Battalion under the NBC. The AA declared this a significant victory for the people’s resistance.
With the capture of the NBC Headquarters, the AA now claims full control over Ann Township, marking another key milestone in their campaign. This has brought the total number of towns under complete control by the National Unity Government (NUG) to 14.
The AA emphasized that this victory was made possible not only through their own efforts but also due to the support of the people of Rakhine, allied organizations, and unnamed supporters. They extended gratitude to all parties involved, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to this success.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 3. Mandalay PDF claims victory in seizure of Tanpin Gone village, capturing junta weapons and troops
December 21
The Mandalay People’s Defense Force (PDF) announced on December 21 that it had successfully captured Tanpin Gone village in Madaya Township on December 19, after launching a coordinated offensive against junta troops stationed there.
During the battle, the PDF detained several soldiers and seized weapons and ammunition from the junta forces.
The operation took place at around 9:00 AM on December 19, resulting in the full seizure of the village. The PDF has indicated that it will continue its operations in the surrounding areas.
The village of Tanpin Gone lies at the border between Madaya and Pyin Oo Lwin Townships, approximately 10 miles from Mandalay. During the battle, junta forces conducted airstrikes and heavy shelling on December 19 and 20, causing widespread displacement of local villagers.
The Mandalay PDF also reported that it had regained control of several areas in western Madaya Township, which had been temporarily abandoned following clashes earlier in December.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 4. Junta column ambushed in Bawntain; one soldier killed
December 21
The Bawntain People’s Defense Force (PPDF 3601) announced that it ambushed a military column of 40 troops traveling from Bawntain to Natogyi Township on December 21.
The clash occurred near Hlay Kha Taung Taik and lasted approximately 30 minutes. One junta soldier was killed, and another was seriously injured during the encounter.
Following the ambush, the junta troops reportedly transported the casualties back to a base in Kwinkyaung village, Natogyi Township, using commandeered civilian vehicles.
To avoid further casualties, the PDF forces withdrew after the junta launched retaliatory attacks using heavy artillery.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 5. Over 30 clashes in Southern Command result in nearly 30 junta casualties within a week
December 21
The Southern Command PDF reported over 30 clashes with junta forces between December 14 and 20, resulting in the deaths of nearly 30 junta soldiers and injuries to 25 others.
During these encounters, the PDF seized weapons, including seven MA rifles, two G3 rifles, one 60mm mortar, and over 1,270 rounds of ammunition.
While the junta suffered significant losses, the resistance also faced casualties, with two PDF fighters killed and 11 others wounded. Additionally, one drone was destroyed.
The Southern Command PDF expressed pride in their successes while mourning the sacrifices made by their comrades. They reaffirmed their commitment to continue the fight against the junta forces.
This military update was provided by Radio NUG’s correspondent, Ko Khant.
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