Arakan Army expands operations into Sagaing Region, seizes four junta camps

By Admin 13 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

13 February 2026, Kanbalu, Sagaing Region

Since the 2021 military coup, the Arakan Army (AA) has expanded its military operations across Myanmar, conducting joint offensives with allied resistance forces on multiple fronts.

In recent weeks, the Arakan Army, in coordination with People’s Defence Forces (PDF) under the National Unity Government (NUG), seized four junta camps in Kanbalu District, Sagaing Region.

Military and political analysts say joint operations involving the NUG, the Arakan Army and Spring Revolution resistance forces in Sagaing Region are accelerating the anti-junta campaign.

“The momentum of victory in Kanbalu District is a major morale booster. If resistance forces can achieve this much in just one district within 60 days by collaborating with Ethnic Revolutionary Organizations (EROs), the revolution will not take long to succeed if similar operations are launched across other districts. This success stems from the collective strength of local defence forces and the guidance of EROs, whose leadership remains crucial,” said Captain Zin Yaw, a participant in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).

According to a February 11 statement from the NUG’s Military Region No. 1, joint forces comprising the Arakan Army and NUG-affiliated units captured the junta’s Koe Taung Boh camp near Paygyi Village on the Shwebo–Myitkyina Road, as well as the Ngetpyawtaing and Intaing camps in Kyunhla Township during December and January. They also intercepted a junta regiment departing Kawlin.

Captain Zin Yaw said weapons seized by the joint forces included advanced military hardware such as 122mm rockets, which he described as more sophisticated than improvised rockets.

On December 21, joint forces captured camps in Paygyi and Ngetpyawtaing villages, which were manned by 105 personnel from the military and the Pyu Saw Htee militia led by Lieutenant Colonel Aung Myo Oo. On the same day, they seized the Shwe Paw Gon (Power House) camp in Intaing Village, which was manned by 108 personnel from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 361 and the Pyu Saw Htee led by Sergeant Aung Aung. On January 31, the Koe Taung Boh camp, defended by approximately 100 personnel from LIB 305 and the Pyu Saw Htee under Captain Naung Thura, was also captured.

The statement added that resistance forces attacked a junta battalion withdrawing from Kawlin on February 7 and 8.

Military sources said clashes between regime forces and joint resistance forces in Kanbalu District continued through February 12.

U Myo Kyaw, an Arakanese politician, said the Arakan Army’s expansion into Sagaing Region marks a significant step in its alliance-building strategy.

“The military junta is the common enemy of the revolution. The fact that the Arakan Army can drive out the junta not only from its own controlled areas but also as far as northern Sagaing Region demonstrates the effectiveness of its strategic alliances. In the evolving political and military landscape, Sagaing Region holds strategic importance within the western cluster,” he said.

U Myo Kyaw also stressed the need to establish a unified Federal Army as a consolidated alliance to effectively topple the military regime.

The Arakan Army has been active in Sagaing Region alongside its allies throughout 2025, following limited operations in Htigyaing Township in 2023.

Beyond Arakan State, the Arakan Army is currently conducting military operations in Magway, Bago and Ayeyarwady Regions, as well as in Chin and Kachin States.