FRESH PENETRATION

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 126, 30 May 1944, Page 5

FRESH PENETRATION

JAPANESE EXiT BLOCKED

Rec. 11 a.m,

RUGBY, May 29,

The Chinese and American forces attacking Myitkyina from the west and south-west have in two days penetrated into the south end of the town, states a South-east Asia communique. The Japanese exit to the south has been- blocked.

The enemy thrusts towards Myitkyina from the south-west have met with heavy losses. Our aircraft gave valuable support. Our artillery heavily shelled enemy transport north of Myitkyina.

North of the town levies ambushed a Japanese party near Njip. Chinese forces have captured the village of Sharaw, north of Kamaing. After five days of heavy fighting. General Lentaigne's Chindits have withdrawn from their position on the enemy's line of communication southwest of Mogaung. A column of Chinese raiding the enemy communications surprised the Japanese garrison, inflicted severe casualties, destroyed dumps of food and ammunition, and captured supplies. Li the Manipur Hills there has been continuous heavy rain. On Sunday, in the Kohima area, the Allies gained all their first objectives in aa attack on the Aramura spur, but further progress was held up by heavy fire from the rear defences, combined with the difficulties caused by the weather. The operation continues.

We repulsed another enemy attack north of Nga village. South of Bishenpur we repulsed enemy counterattacks. Our troops continue to make progress. Our patrols are active north of the Palel road, where many bodies of Japanese killed, in the recent fighting were found. In Arakan there was patrol and artillery activity. No Allied aircraft are missing from patrols on Saturday and Sunday.— 8.0. W.