Tatmadaw has never used drones in the counter-insurgency operations, said Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun, Secretary of Tatmadaw True News Information Team.

According to the statement by the Arakan Army (AA ) on January 2, in the recent days, there were heavy fighting between the Tatmadaw and the AA in Paletwa Township in Chin State and Minbya and Myaebon Townships in Rakhine State. The AA also accused that theTatmadaw used drones in some areas.

“Some military units have commercial drones. These kinds of drones are available in the market. These drones can take photos. Battalions and units have such kinds of drones. Drones are used mostly for reconnaissance,” Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun added.

“Yesterday, there were fights in Minbya Township, about 1,500 metres east of Sanyin village and east of Yarmaung Bridge. The AA frequently attacked security forces on Yarmaung Bridge. The clashes took place from 2.40 pm to around 4 pm,” he continued.

Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun previously said that Tatmadaw would use necessary weapons including fighter planes and helicopters, in the counter-insurgency operations in Rakhine State.