BUTHIDAUNG EVACUATED

Evening Star, Issue 25169, 8 May 1944, Page 3

BUTHIDAUNG EVACUATED

ARAKAN POSITIONS READJUSTED ALLIED LINE SECURE (Rec. 10.20 a.m.) RUGBY, May 7. While the Allied advance continues in North Burma, Buthidaung, in the extreme south, has been evacuated, states a communique. In the north. Chinese troops have advanced to within 17 miles of Kamaing. The advance continues unchecked. West of Mogaung the Chinese are in contact with fine Japanese. In the Arakan the enemy reacted sharply to our recent successes. Our troops defeated a number of determined counter-attacks in the Mayu Range, inflicting heavy casualties. "Further east, in the Kalapanzin Valley, another enemy attack also suffered severely. " Having established ourselves in certain features vital to the security of this line," states a communique, " we have carried out a readjustment of our positions, including a withdrawal from Buthidaung, without interference."

On May 6 the Japanese made a series of strong but unavailing attacks against the perimeter of the Kohima defences. There has been no important development in the area of the lmphal Plain. Allied aircraft were active in support of ground operations. Two enemy fighters were destroyed and one enemy bomber was seen going down with its engine on fire. Enemy targets attacked from the air included stores, a bridge at Sibong, which was demolished, gun positions, road transport, and other communications. One Allied aircraft is missing.