Heavy artillery shells land in Sittwe amid rising tensions

By Admin 09 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

9 April 2026, Sittwe

An artillery shell fired by the military landed and exploded on April 8 near the prison in Sittwe, a city still under the control of the Myanmar regime, according to local residents.

Residents reported that the regime has been frequently conducting test fires of heavy artillery in recent days.

A local man in Sittwe said, "I heard that a heavy artillery shell landed by the roadside north of the prison yesterday afternoon. There were no casualties. These days, the regime is firing heavy weapons almost constantly. I heard another blast today as well, but I don't know where it landed."

There is a naval battalion near the Sittwe prison, along with Military Security Affairs offices and other military bases. Residents mentioned that test fires of heavy weaponry are occurring at these locations.

Fighting has resumed between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military near Sittwe, and locals said the latter has been firing heavy artillery on a daily basis.

A local woman added, "Artillery fire was heard in Sittwe around 11:00 a.m. this morning. No exchange of fire was heard. Since heavy artillery has been landing inside the city lately, we have to be very cautious when moving around."

While clashes between the regime and the Arakan Army are occurring in the vicinity of Sittwe, artillery shells frequently land within the city limits.

The regime is reportedly making preparations in the city to celebrate the Sittwe Thingyan festival on a grand scale.

Previously, on March 7, heavy artillery shells landed and exploded near the General Hospital and No. 4 Basic Education High School in Sittwe.