Fighting resumes for control of Sittwe

By Admin 26 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

26 January 2026, Sittwe

Fighting for control of Sittwe, which had stalled since the second week of January, reportedly resumed on January 25, with both sides exchanging fire.

Artillery fire, multiple launch rocket systems and small arms fire were heard from the morning of January 25 near the border of Sittwe and Ponnagyun townships, as well as close to the Regional Command Headquarters and junta battalions. Fighting was reported to be ongoing.

“No firing had been heard from the Sittwe side for over a week. We started hearing gunfire again yesterday morning. There were heavy artillery blasts, rocket fire and some small arms fire. It appeared to be an exchange of fire from both sides,” said a resident of Ponnagyun.

The exchange of fire in Sittwe Township had stopped on January 13, but sounds of fighting returned on January 25 from areas including Kuntaung, Amyint Kyun and Sabahtar villages.

The Arakan Army has been attempting to expand its territory since capturing several outpost camps of the Sittwe based Regional Command Headquarters on January 9.

“Since the election has ended, the military regime is trying to block the Arakan Army advance so it can begin convening parliament in Sittwe. As the Regional Command Headquarters is close to the parliament building, the junta is likely to defend it with heavy force, so fighting is expected to continue,” said an observer of Arakan military affairs.

The Arakan Army has already captured military camps near Wahbo Island, Gangaw Island and Tawkan village in Sittwe Township. Meanwhile, the military regime is defending its positions using heavy artillery, rocket systems and drones from the Regional Command Headquarters and other Sittwe based battalions.

The Arakan Army began attacking the outskirts of Sittwe in early January 2025, mainly using artillery and drones rather than ground offensives.

As Sittwe is the last remaining stronghold of the military regime in northern Arakan State, observers say fighting is likely to persist.