Arakan Army claims to have sunk more than 10 junta warships in three years

By Admin 09 Nov 2026

DMG Newsroom

9 November 2026, Kyauktaw

The military junta has deployed frigates, corvettes and missile-armed warships along the coast and inland waterways of Arakan State, using them to launch heavy artillery bombardments against civilian towns and villages, day and night.

The junta has also sought to use its naval strength to launch amphibious operations against townships controlled by the Arakan Army.

Over the nearly three-year period from November 2023 to October 2026, the Arakan Army says it has sunk or destroyed more than 10 junta naval vessels during maritime clashes in Arakan State.

"The military junta is attempting to conduct breakthrough operations using massive force wherever they perceive weaknesses. In particular, if they carry out amphibious landings, they will look for gaps or vulnerable points in the Arakan Army's widely dispersed troop deployments to breach," said a military observer in Arakan State.

On October 26, the Arakan Army attacked three junta warships near the mouth of the Kaladan River, between Sittwe and Werathani townships. Two vessels reportedly sank, while the third was damaged.

Earlier, on October 19, another junta naval vessel was reportedly attacked near Khamaungdaw Village, on the border between Ponnagyun and Sittwe townships. In 2025, the Arakan Army also reportedly neutralized a junta naval vessel near Kyaukphyu.

In February 2024, the Arakan Army said it sank five junta naval vessels and seriously damaged four others during a series of naval battles between February 7 and 13.

The Arakan Army also captured the Maung Shwe Lay naval base in Thandwe Township on September 5, 2024. The facility, officially known as the Central Naval Diving and Salvage Depot, was a major naval training center.

"The junta is deploying warships in both offshore and coastal waters, attempting to assert naval control over the Arakan coastal strip. While the Arakan Army initially attacked vessels along the coast and in rivers, they are now capable of targeting the Myanmar Navy's advanced offshore frigates. As the Arakan Army employs high-tech warfare, it effectively counters the junta's efforts to control the area from the sea," said Captain Zin Yaw, a military defector.

The junta maintains several naval positions in Arakan State, including Danyawadi Naval Base and Taung Maw Oo naval station near Sanae town in Kyaukphyu Township, No. 18 Naval Station and Shwe Min Gan Naval Base in Sittwe Township, and No. 19 Naval Station in Manaung Township.

Using forces deployed from Shwe Min Gan Naval Base in Sittwe, the junta launched an amphibious assault on Ngapyi Island in Werathani Township on October 7. The island is controlled by the Arakan Army.

Junta commando and special forces units attempted to land on the island using speedboats launched from larger warships. During the fighting, the Arakan Army reportedly struck three junta vessels using advanced military technology.

Junta naval vessels continue to serve as a major supply route, transporting reinforcements, provisions and ammunition to the Regional Operations Command in Sittwe and Danyawadi Naval Base in Kyaukphyu.

With the Arakan Army's campaign to capture the remaining three junta-held townships in Arakan State focused on the coastal areas, analysts expect naval battles in the region to intensify.