– Junta fighter jets targeted Ramree
– Civilian homes were also reportedly impacted by intensified bombing campaign
Arakan News Desk: The military junta in Myanmar reportedly escalated its attacks on the coastal town of Ramree in Rakhine State, utilizing more powerful and destructive bombs with the apparent intention of destroying the town, The Irrawaddy reported citing the Arakan Army (AA).
The AA disclosed that on Tuesday, junta fighter jets targeted Ramree and its surroundings with 500-pound and other high-impact bombs, destroying crucial infrastructure, including a public hospital and market.
Civilian homes were also reportedly impacted by the intensified bombing campaign. The AA noted that these bombs were more powerful and destructive than those previously used.
In addition to targeting the town, a convent for Buddhist nuns in the Inn Taung ward of Ramree was reportedly destroyed in three airstrikes conducted by junta jets on Tuesday morning.
Clashes between the AA and junta forces began in Ramree township in mid-December last year, and since then, the town has been frequently bombed from air, sea, and land.
The recent escalation raises concerns about the safety and well-being of civilians in the conflict-affected areas.
On the same day, regime bases in Rakhine State reportedly shelled residential areas in towns and villages of Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung townships, and the state capital, Sittwe.
The AA reported that an entire residential ward of Ponnagyun town, Alal Su, was incinerated by regime troops stationed at a nearby hilltop base on Tuesday.
Furthermore, the AA stated that it is continuing its efforts to seize the junta’s 9th Central Military Training School near Kan Ni Village in Minbya Township. The group has been attacking the base since Saturday as part of its wider offensive in the region.
The AA, a member of the Brotherhood Alliance, initiated the anti-regime offensive Operation 1027 in northern Shan State on October 27 last year.
Despite a China-brokered ceasefire deal with the regime in early January, the AA expanded its operation to Rakhine State on November 13, 2023. Since then, it has seized over 170 junta strongholds, including six towns in Rakhine State and neighboring Chin State.
The AA has consistently urged regime forces in remaining bases in Rakhine State to surrender, vowing to escalate attacks until all targets are seized. The situation is further complicated by the reported shutdown of the state capital, Sittwe, with all entrances blocked, and the only access being by flight.
Junta forces have reportedly arrested and interrogated 600 passengers arriving in Sittwe from Yangon.
