TATMADAW columns conducting security operations in Rakhine State engaged AA group in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, on 21 April and seized landmines and fertilizer bags used for installing them.

In the skirmish in Buthidaung Township, Tatmadaw columns were scouring the vicinity of Nayon Taung Village when they were fired upon by AA troops from the northeast around 4pm. The Tatmadaw retaliated and the AA retreated in the southeast around 4:30pm. Tatmadaw confiscated 5 landmines and 10 bags of fertilizers used for installing them.

On the night of 21 April, two landmines planted by the AA detonated near the Maungtaw-Angumaw road, Kaing Gyi Village, Maungtaw Township.

Local residents who wished for peace and stability sent information to authorities that the saboteurs were hiding in Mawyawady Village, Maungtaw Township. Security forces joined with village administrative personnel to search the village and captured an AA member identified as Kyaw Thein of Mawyawady Village. Investigations are still ongoing

Since January 2019, the AA have planted a total of 41 landmines in 13 instances along public roads in Rakhine State. Tatmadaw columns are consistently conducting security and landmine clearing operations to protect the public, according to news released from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. —MNA (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)