Arakan Army encircles Taung Maw Gyi naval station in Kyaukphyu

By Admin 11 Jun 2026

DMG Newsroom

11 June 2026, Kyaukphyu

Fighting between Myanmar's military junta and the Arakan Army (AA) has entered a new phase, with Arakan Army forces reportedly encircling the strategically important Taung Maw Gyi naval station in Kyaukphyu Township, according to military observers and local residents.

The shift in the conflict began in the second week of May. Prior to that, fighting had largely centred on the Danyawadi Naval Base and No. 32 Police Battalion, located about 10 miles from Kyaukphyu Town.

According to local sources, junta forces launched an offensive from the Taung Maw Gyi naval station toward Arakan Army-held territory near Sanae Town on May 10.

The offensive reportedly met strong resistance, forcing junta troops to retreat to the naval station. Following the withdrawal, Arakan Army forces seized four defensive positions surrounding the base, effectively cutting off ground access routes.

"The Taung Maw Gyi naval station is now under direct threat from the Arakan Army," a resident familiar with the situation told DMG. "Junta troops are confined to the base, and all land routes are under the control of Arakan Army forces. They now rely mainly on water routes for supplies and movement."

Sanae Town, located between Kyaukphyu and Ramree townships, remains a strategically important area in the ongoing conflict.

While fighting near Kyaukphyu Town has largely stabilised, clashes around the Taung Maw Gyi naval station have intensified in recent weeks.

Local observers believe the station's isolation has increased its vulnerability and placed additional pressure on junta positions in Kyaukphyu Township.

"Reports suggest that military families are being relocated from the area," another Kyaukphyu resident said. "Many people expect the Arakan Army to intensify operations against the naval station before the end of the rainy season."

Residents said military families have reportedly been evacuated by naval vessels to Kyaukphyu Town and the Danyawadi Naval Base as Arakan Army forces advance closer to the facility.

Captain Zin Yaw, a military defector who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), said the Arakan Army may continue its blockade strategy rather than launch a direct assault on the base.

"The Arakan Army has already isolated the naval station," he said. "Given the terrain and the nature of the area, maintaining the siege and targeting reinforcement attempts may be more effective than a direct attack."

Military analysts said the reported evacuation of military families suggests junta commanders are concerned about the long-term sustainability of the base under siege conditions.

The developments come as the Arakan Army continues operations against remaining junta positions in Arakan State.

Residents also reported continued air and naval attacks by junta forces in conflict-affected areas, with concerns growing over civilian casualties.