Arakan Army seeks to expand territorial control in Sittwe

By Admin 21 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

21 January 2026, Sittwe

Military observers say the Arakan Army (AA) has made visible efforts this month to expand its territorial control in Sittwe Township, the capital of Arakan State.

While the AA has controlled Wahbo Island—comprising Wahbo, Minhla, Kinmaw, and Nyoyaungchaung villages—since 2024, it is now attempting to gain a foothold on the mainland side of Sittwe.

Following the seizure of several outposts belonging to the Regional Command Headquarters in Sittwe earlier this month, the AA is reportedly preparing to launch further offensives against remaining military positions.

“The Arakan Army is determined to achieve the total liberation of Arakan State. We are seeing clear efforts to expand and control as much territory as possible within Sittwe Township,” said a source familiar with the military situation.

Military sources said the names of the outposts captured on January 9 were not officially disclosed, but they were located about two and four miles from the Regional Command Headquarters. These reportedly included a military camp in Gangawkyun Village, about two miles away, and outposts situated between Tawkan and Kyantaw villages, about four miles away.

“The situation on the Sittwe frontline cannot be described as calm. There are ongoing offensives, mainly involving drone attacks and heavy artillery exchanges. Both sides are reinforcing their positions at close range, and in some areas the opposing camps are within sight of each other,” another source said.

Military analysts predict fighting in Sittwe is likely to intensify throughout the year. Clashes between the Myanmar military and the AA continue, with the regime relying heavily on artillery and drones. These strikes have also caused casualties in neighbouring Ponnagyun and Rathedaung townships.

The AA has controlled the neighbouring townships of Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, and Pauktaw since 2024, maintaining sustained military pressure on Sittwe.

After capturing 14 townships across Arakan State, the AA has left Sittwe as the final junta stronghold in northern Arakan. In response, the military regime has heavily fortified the city’s perimeter and reinforced its battalions with additional troops and weaponry.