Khit / Munich (NSS) – Jan 15

The military tension has increased between Tatmadaw and the Rakhine insurgents in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State. 

The joint armed group led by the AA attacked the 539 Light Infantry near Kansauk Mount located in Kyauktaw Township, a source from the security force told NSS. There has been at least three times that the AA armed group attacked the 539 Light Infantry, the source added. 

“They have been attacking the 539 Light Infantry since January 11th. They retreated on that day. Then, they came back with massive troop numbers and started attacking. Now, the 539 Light Infantry was besieged by them. The clash tension is increasing. There were also causalities.” a source said. 

The report also states that other ethnic armed groups also allied with the AA initiating the clashes to 539 Light Infantry. On January 14th, an artillery camp near Kansauk Mount had to be withdrawn due to the security situation.

“There are wives with kids inside the military unit. It’s too risky. The insurgents always come to attack though after they retreated,” the source continued. 

Northern three alliance armed groups, TNLA and AA led by MNDAA initiated the clashes in the northern Shan State on 27October 2023, and the ceasefire agreement gained between the two sides on January 11.

After gaining the ceasefire agreement in Northern Shan State, the battles between the Tatmadaw and AA armed groups in Rakhine became more intense.