The military council is fiercely defending Maung Taw Township in Rakhine State by air, sea, and land to prevent the remaining camps from falling into the hands of the Arakan Army (AA). The military council is using every resource at its command to fend off the AA's continuous attacks on vital sites, including the military base, the Ma Kyee Chaung border police, and the border police headquarters in Nakha Kha. The situation is grave.
A high-ranking, unnamed military council general spoke to DVA(Democratic Voice of the ARAKAN), saying, "The AA has launched a three-pronged assault on Nakha Kha with drones and missiles. It's been nearly three months of continuous fighting, but our positions hold firm. Our jets are bombarding the area around Nakha Kha day and night, even until the early hours of July 9. The explosions are so intense that the ground trembles."
The city's military base has been firing large weapons non-stop from Nakha Kha for 24 hours, trying to hold their ground. Despite these efforts, locals reported hearing gunfire throughout the night.
"The AA's attacks haven't ceased, even with the military council's heavy defenses and airstrikes. They've been systematically overtaking military council positions. Last month, the AA destroyed the Silver Mountain stronghold, forcing a retreat. The military council's defenses are crumbling despite their air superiority," a local military analyst told DVA.
The AA has called on military council soldiers to surrender, attacking every base that remains armed. Meanwhile, Rohingya children and women are suffering the most, with many killed or severely injured by heavy weapons, missiles, and drone bombs striking Maung Taw city. Both the AA and the military council are contributing to the devastation, leaving the Rohingya community trapped and unable to escape due to the military council's blockade.
On July 7, the AA claimed to have captured Nakha Kha and the 4-mile base in Maung Taw, reporting over 350 enemy casualties. The military council denied these claims. The true situation remains unclear as access to the conflict zones is heavily restricted, leaving only the two warring sides with the full picture.
The military council has intensified its airstrikes, bombing Pantaw Pyin Village, Maung Ni Ward, Mile Ward, and Shwe Zar Village in Maung Taw Township on July 9. Many houses have been destroyed, adding to the suffering of the local population. The previous day, Shwe Zar village was also bombed, causing significant damage to homes.