Arakan Army offensive advances toward KaPaSa 16 in Bago Region

By Admin 09 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

9 May 2026, Padaung, Bago Region

An offensive launched by the Arakan Army and its allied forces against the regime’s Weapons Factory No. 16 (KaPaSa 16) in Padaung Township, Bago Region, is steadily advancing toward the facility.

The combined forces have reportedly reached within four miles of the factory and are currently engaged in intense fighting at the Point 500 hilltop camp, a key frontline outpost.

Military sources said the offensive targeting KaPaSa 16 began on 4 May. During the battle for the Point 500 hilltop camp, the Arakan Army and its allies reportedly seized the bodies of several Myanmar military personnel along with weapons and ammunition.

“Fighting continues at the Point 500 hilltop camp. The military council is attempting to reinforce its positions from KaPaSa 16. Since the clashes are now only about four miles away from the factory, the regime is making a desperate effort to defend it,” a military source said.

The source added that the regime is deploying a composite force drawn from multiple units to defend the Point 500 hilltop camp.

KaPaSa 16 is protected by several frontline outposts, including Point 500, Point 666, and Point 353. The Arakan Army has already captured the Point 666 hilltop camp.

Military analysts view the current operations against KaPaSa 16, which functions as a gunpowder and explosives factory, as strategically significant. They noted that the Arakan Army’s military advances are providing a major psychological and strategic boost to revolutionary forces across the country.

“This offensive is directly aimed at the KaPaSa 16 explosives factory. The Arakan Army’s military operations will have a direct impact on Magway Region, Chin State, and areas west of the Ayeyarwady River. Their movements are highly critical for the broader revolutionary movement,” said Captain Zin Yaw, a participant in the Civil Disobedience Movement.

While the regime has managed to retake some towns in Chin State, Sagaing Region, and Mandalay Region during 2026, it continues to face significant setbacks in its confrontations with the Arakan Army.

The Arakan Army has opened active fronts in the remaining regime-held areas of Arakan State, including Sittwe and Kyaukphyu townships, while simultaneously conducting offensives in Bago, Magway, and Ayeyarwady regions in coordination with allied forces.

To manage the escalating conflict with the Arakan Army, the regime recently appointed Lt Gen Naing Naing Oo as head of Bureau of Special Operations No. 3, which oversees both the Western and Southwestern Commands.