Coalition forced led by AA advances toward junta No. 16 weapons factory in Bago Region

By Admin 07 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

7 February 2026, Padaung, Bago Region

A coalition force led by the Arakan Army has launched an offensive toward the junta No. 16 Weapons Factory known as Ka Pa Sa 16 at the Otshipin military station in Padaung Township, Bago Region, prompting the regime to respond with heavy airstrikes and artillery fire.

Military sources said that after seizing Point 666 hilltop camp, a key forward security outpost for Ka Pa Sa 16, on January 28, Arakan Army and allied forces advanced to within three miles of the weapons factory.

“The junta suffered heavy casualties while attempting to reinforce the Point 666 hilltop camp and has since struggled to mount effective ground counter offensives,” a military source told DMG. “The regime has realized that its ground troops are no match for the Arakan Army commando units and is now heavily reliant on-air support and artillery strikes.”

The Arakan Army has captured several security outposts surrounding Ka Pa Sa 16. During the clashes, the junta reportedly used jet fighters and paramotors to provide aerial fire support.

On the Padaung frontline, junta forces under Military Operations Command No. 10 and No. 14 are defending the area. During fighting over Point 666 hilltop camp on January 4, Colonel Han Lin Aung, a tactical commander from Military Operations Command No. 10, was reportedly killed by Arakan Army commando units.

Captain Zin Yaw, a member of the Civil Disobedience Movement, said Ka Pa Sa 6 and Ka Pa Sa 16 are critical to the regime's military supply chain and that successful attacks on these facilities would severely impact its operations.

“Padaung based Ka Pa Sa 6 is a smelting plant, while Ka Pa Sa 16 is a gunpowder factory. Both are essential to arms production,” he said. “With the Arakan Army led coalition now within five kilometres of Ka Pa Sa 16, they are close enough to strike with 81mm mortars. While capturing the factories may be difficult, repeated artillery attacks could significantly disrupt weapons production.”

Military sources added that the Arakan Army led offensive has reached the vicinity of Point 666 hilltop camp, leaving only inner circle security outposts between allied forces and the main Ka Pa Sa 16 factory. Coalition forces have also established a foothold near Sin Lan Village, about 10 miles from the Nyaung Chay Htauk based Ka Pa Sa 6.

Padaung Township is a strategic military hub hosting several defence equipment factories, including Ka Pa Sa 5, 6, 9, and 16.

The Arakan Army and its allies have been active in the township since January 2025 and have reportedly seized at least eight military camps, including outposts at Moe Hti, Nyaungkyo, Bagan Kwe, and Point 666 hilltop camp.