Arakan Army snipers killed multiple junta soldiers, police and Muslim militants in Sittwe on Thursday, causing them to flee in large numbers after heavy casualties, BNI Online reported over the past hour. AA forces are now 3.6 kilometers from the Danyawaddy Navy base and advancing toward Sittwe, according to Irrawaddy News. Locals confirmed the sniper attacks prompted greater flight by junta personnel including Muslim militants, BNI Online stated. Irrawaddy News cited local reports of AA pushes toward the state capital during this period. In Meiktila, Myanmar Air Force chief Tun Aung announced procurement of new planes, helicopters, drones and weapons systems at a pilot graduation ceremony, Irrawaddy News reported. The regime continues nationwide airstrikes that have killed civilians and destroyed homes. In Yangon, air quality reached unhealthy levels with a strong acrid smell around Kandawgyi Lake making breathing difficult, a resident told Democratic Voice of Burma over the past hour. Cobra Column resistance group handed over a Myanmar national, who shot and wounded a Thai police officer, to Thai authorities in Mae Sot on Thursday afternoon, Irrawaddy News stated.
