Colonel Thurein Tun, who serves as the operational commander of the No. 15 Military Operations Command Headquarters based in Buthidaung Township and the commander of the regional operations headquarters in Maungdaw, was reportedly captured alive by the Arakan Army (AA) near Maungdaw town on December 8, according to local residents in Maungdaw.
He was stationed at the No. 5 Border Guard Police Subdivision, located at Myothugyi Village (Old), near the entrance of Maungdaw town, which serves as the regional operations headquarters for Maungdaw. He had been leading and overseeing operations in the Maungdaw region.
He was reportedly captured near Kyi Kan Pyin village, approximately three miles away from Myothugyi Battalion, along the Three-Mile-Kyi Kan Pyin road. Local residents in Maungdaw stated that armed individuals claiming to be Rohingya militants assisted in his escape.
He is 53 years old and the son of U Tun Kyi, who is based at the No. 1 Military Hospital in Meikhtila. He had been responsible for overseeing and leading all administrative and military operations across Maungdaw District, including Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Rathedaung townships.
Local residents in Maungdaw reported that as the Arakan Army (AA) was about to seize control of the No. 5 Border Guard Police outpost, where he was stationed and leading operations, he attempted to escape from the frontline under the cover of intense airstrikes. However, he was ultimately captured during the AA’s blockade and clearance operation.
A local resident from Maungdaw told Border News Agency, “He trained the Kalars (Muslims) in military tactics and attempted to escape into the Naf River with their assistance. He followed the creek paths, planning to flee from the nearest escape point once he reached the Naf River, but he was captured during the process.”
It is reported that along with him, Colonel Tin Moe Aung, who serves as the tactical commander based in Buthidaung and the commander of the Buthidaung military region, was also involved. However, they left behind their subordinate soldiers and relied on armed individuals claiming to be Rohingya militants to escape.
The Arakan Army (AA) announced that they had fully seized control of the No. 5 Border Guard Police Battalion, the regional operations headquarters for Maungdaw, at 9:30 AM on December 8.
In the Maungdaw region, Myanmar junta circles have said that Thurein Tun was responsible for training Muslims in military tactics, as well as overseeing the arrest, killing, and disposal of civilians, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and coordinating with leaders of armed groups claiming to be Rohingya militants.
According to sources from the Rohingya Muslims, both before and after Thurein Tun’s capture, the Myanmar junta forces conducted intense airstrikes in the area, including the exact location where he was apprehended. It is also claimed that there were ongoing connections between high-ranking military officers and armed individuals identified as Rohingya militants who had managed to escape.
A Muslim from Maungdaw township told Border News Agency, “Members of the ARSA have been providing information to the junta about the situation in Maungdaw. They have been guiding the junta on where to strike. They have been clearing the path to help junta forces escape, especially from Zula village. The ARSA members have been trying to evacuate with boats, and villagers have informed the authorities about their actions. There are also many people supporting the AA.”
The location where Thu Rain Tun and his group were captured by the Arakan Army (AA) is reportedly an area frequently targeted by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), which has been involved in violent attacks against civilians. Local Muslim villagers claim that the area and nearby villages have been used as bases for these militants, who have been carrying out acts of violence and using the civilian population as shields for protection.
According to Muslim villagers, in an effort to rescue Thurein Tun, ARSA members were mobilizing forces around the area, preparing escape routes via waterways, and setting up defenses to help him flee. They reportedly carried out attacks along the Naf River coastline, near Muslim villages, and around border areas, continuing their activities in the vicinity to support the escape efforts.
Muslim villagers in the Maungdaw district reported that over three thousand members of armed groups, including the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO), the Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA), and other armed Muslim militants, have been carrying out joint attacks in coordination with the Myanmar junta forces.
A local from Maungdaw told Border News Agency, “The Arakan Army needs to carry out a thorough clearing operation. If militants are still present, no one will be safe. The Arakan Army must be cautious and ensure a proper clearance. It is also important to prevent militants from infiltrating the military ranks. The past mistakes of the Myanmar junta should serve as lessons. If this isn’t addressed properly, it may require intervention from the international community.”
In the battle for the No. 5 Border Guard Police Battalion, nearly 700 forces, including members of the Myanmar junta and armed Rohingya militants, as well as trained Muslim militants, were reported dead. Additionally, over 300 individuals, including those severely injured, were captured, according to ground news sources.
According to locals in Maungdaw district, Rohingya militants have been collaborating with the Myanmar junta in attacks. They have been involved in violent acts against civilians, including killings, unlawful arrests, kidnappings, and committing other inhumane practices. Additionally, reports indicate that they have been engaged in robberies, including violent attacks.
According to the families of Border Guard Police Battalion members, in the No. 5 Border Guard Battalion, along with Battalion 22 personnel, some soldiers from the Buthidaung-based battalions retreated, as well as some border guard soldiers who fled from Maungdaw district.
According to the Border Guard Police Battalion members, the Myanmar junta used parachutes to drop supplies, including food, medicine, and weapons, to the battalion. However, due to the overwhelming number of junta soldiers, these supplies were insufficient, and the resources were primarily allocated to the soldiers, leaving the overall support inadequate for the entire battalion.
