June 23, 2024
The Arakan Army (AA) has successfully seized Thandwe Airport in Rakhine State, marking the first time an ethnic revolutionary force has captured an airport from the military regime. The airport’s capture follows over two weeks of intensive fighting between AA forces and junta troops, with reports indicating that two aircraft may be present at the airport, though this information remains unconfirmed.
The AA’s operation to capture Thandwe Airport began more than two weeks ago, with fierce resistance from junta forces. Despite the junta’s efforts to defend the airport, including using substantial military force, the AA was able to take control of the airport on June 22. Junta troops from the 566th Light Infantry Battalion fled from the airport and are currently attempting to retake it, with support from airstrikes conducted by military jets.
Following the capture of Thandwe Airport, the AA has also surrounded and blockaded Thandwe and Ngapali towns. The junta is preparing for a counter-offensive using naval, air, and ground forces to reclaim control.
The junta’s military bases in Ngapali, such as the 55th Infantry Battalion, and in Thandwe, like the 566th Light Infantry Battalion, are on high alert. The capture of Thandwe Airport is a significant setback for the junta, which had fortified its positions in the area. Since April 22, heavy fighting has erupted in Thandwe, causing around 20,000 local residents to flee. The airport had been closed since May 14, with only military flights operating.
During the ongoing conflict in Thandwe Township, junta forces have been heavily shelling civilian villages, resulting in the deaths of over 80 civilians from Linthi, Nat Maw Taung, and Sin Khaung villages. Today, a young man and an elderly woman in Thandwe town were killed by artillery fire. Junta-affiliated social media accounts and Telegram channels have been inciting further bombings and destruction of Thandwe town.
In addition to capturing Thandwe Airport, the AA also seized the frontline outpost of Taung Htin Taung in Ann Township today. This strategic outpost, under the command of the Western Command Headquarters, has been a target of the AA since the commencement of Operation 1027.
