Arakan Army-led resistance forces clash with junta near key weapons factory in Bago Region

By Admin 08 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

8 July 2026, Padaung, Bago Region

Fierce clashes are ongoing between the Myanmar military and a coalition led by the Arakan Army (AA) near the junta’s No. 16 weapons factory, known as KaPaSa 16, in Mathone Village, Padaung Township, Bago Region.

A military source said fighting has intensified around Point 500 camp, a forward outpost of KaPaSa 16, as the junta continues to send reinforcements to the hilltop position.

"There is a contact battle near KaPaSa 16. The fighting is happening as the military side is trying to reinforce its forces. The revolutionary forces did not launch the offensive first. They are carrying out attacks depending on the movements of the regime troops," the source said.

Point 500 hilltop camp, where fighting is currently taking place, is located about three miles from KaPaSa 16. As the junta continues reinforcing troops, joint revolutionary forces have been carrying out interception attacks.

In early May, the Arakan Army and allied forces also launched attacks on several outpost camps near Point 500 hilltop camp.

Military sources said the regime has been continuously reinforcing troops and moving military columns to defend junta weapons factories on the Nyaungkyoe front in Padaung Township and to retake some lost military camps.

A young man monitoring Arakan military affairs said: "The regime will absolutely not tolerate losing the Bago front. The four military weapons factories located in Padaung Township alone are their lifeline for weapons and ammunition. They can try to defend by reinforcing with whatever forces they can get in Padaung Township. Another point is that because it directly connects with Taungup in Arakan State, they are trying to maintain military pressure on central Arakan State. Therefore, fighting will continue on the Padaung front."

KaPaSa 5, KaPaSa 6, KaPaSa 9 and KaPaSa 16 are located at the Ottshipin military station in Padaung Township, western Bago Region.

The revolutionary forces led by the Arakan Army have carried out military operations inside Padaung Township since early 2025 and have captured at least 10 junta military camps.