The Arakan Army (AA)’s synchronized attack is a real stab in the back, aiming at disrupting the prevailing stable situation in Rakhine State at a time when Tatmadaw (defence services) in collaboration with the police is monitoring to prevent against the possible attacks of the ARSA terrorists, Police Brigadier-General Myint Toe, Commander of No 1 Border Guard Force (BGF) on January 6.
“Joining hands with Tatmadaw, our BGF is carrying out security measures for ensuring that Rakhine State would be safe and secure as we are at risk of the ARSA’s surprised attacks. When we paid attention to the possible attacks of the ARSA, the AA launched well-organized attack on the police outposts. It was a real stab in the back. The AA launched synchronized attacks on four police outposts of BGF by force in the absence of Tatmadaw military columns. The AA took political advantage as to its attack,” said Police Brigadier-General Myint Toe.
The AA launched synchronized attacks on Ngamyinmaw, Kyaungtaung, Khahtihla and Goatpi police outposts by force at about half past six on January 4 (Independence Day). Police resisted the AA terrorists and then the military column undertook to reinforce the presence of the police of the BGF. Ngamyinmaw and Kyaungtaung outposts had to be abandoned due to the uneven strength. Khahtihla and Goatpi police outposts managed to launch offensive attacks on the AA terrorists because more reinforcements were provided. More than 100 AA terrorists launched synchronized attacks on Ngamyinmaw outpost situated on the hill in the southwest of Ngamyinmaw village by force from three directions of east, north and south. The police resisted the AA terrorists for about more than an hour and had to retreat in the face of strong attack, said Police Brigadier-General Myint Toe.
“We have received the news ahead that the AA would launch attacks. Defence has been prepared. We have the information from the civilians and the intelligence reports as well. Preparations have been made since three to five days. Our BGF always stands by. As it is remote far-flung area, we are taking security measures to restore rule of law. We have also received the news of the possible attack of the AA. For that reason, we have provided reinforcements to our outposts. Arms and BGF are enough for resisting the possible terrorist attacks. For further possible attack, we must make area clearance operations and we are well-prepared for defence side,” said Police Brigadier-General Myint Toe.
The news that the AA fought back as Tatmadaw started disturbing them is not true. Moreover, the news that Tatmadaw used heavy weapons is also untrue. The AA plotted well-organized attack on the police outposts. Tatmadaw did not use heavy weapons in Ngamyinmaw. Tatmadaw provided reinforcements in the face of the attack and helped with the fighting while No 8 BGF led by the column commander was making area clearance operation. Tatmadaw had to help Kyaungtaung police outpost undertaking reinforcements in defending, said Police Brigadier-General Myint Toe.
The AA armed group launched synchronized attack on Kyaungtaung, Ngamyinbaw, Goatpi and Khahtihla police outposts in Buthidaung at about half past six on the morning of January 4, killing 13 police and injuring 9, the government reported.
During the attack, the AA arrested 14 people including police and women and released in the evening of that day.
Translated and Edited by Win Htut
