Heavy clashes between junta and AA intensify in Sittwe

By Admin 16 Oct 2025

DMG Newsroom

16 October 2025, Sittwe

Heavy fighting has erupted between the Myanmar military regime and the Arakan Army (AA) in Sittwe Township, with both sides engaging in exchanges of artillery fire and drone attacks, according to local and military sources.

Since October 14, junta battalions based in Sittwe have been shelling areas near Rathedaung and Ponnagyun townships, which are under AA control.

On October 15, junta troops reportedly fired more than 20 artillery rounds from their Sittwe-based battalions toward the same areas.

"The shelling has become more frequent. The junta is even using missile-type weapons. Since October 14, both sides have been exchanging heavy fire. The AA is also responding with artillery," said a source familiar with military developments.

In addition to artillery fire, junta troops have also carried out aerial drone attacks in the area.

The AA, in a statement released yesterday (October 15), confirmed that artillery and drone clashes around Sittwe have intensified in recent days.

Local residents said the junta has reinforced its troops and stepped up military operations around Sittwe in recent days.

Similarly, junta naval vessels have been seen patrolling off the coast of Sittwe, according to residents.

"A few days ago, we started seeing more naval activity near Shwe Min Gan. Before that, there wasn't much movement. They've also been reinforcing troops at battalion bases inside the town," said a Sittwe resident.

Locals in Sittwe are also suffering from severe hardship due to tight military checkpoints, trade blockages, and growing insecurity.

Political observers believe the junta may further escalate military activity ahead of the planned general election scheduled for December 28.

"For the junta, holding an election in Arakan - especially in Sittwe - is extremely important. If the vote can't be held there, it will signal that the regime has effectively lost control of Arakan. They're worried that the AA could launch new offensives during the election period, so the junta is trying to intimidate them with constant artillery fire. If this continues, more clashes are likely," said an Arakan military analyst.

Meanwhile, the junta has been erecting election-related billboards and organizing voter mobilization activities in Sittwe in preparation for the upcoming polls.

However, junta forces continue to shell villages in Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, and Pauktaw townships near Sittwe, causing civilian casualties.

Only three major townships - Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung - remain under junta control in Arakan State, and the fighting in Kyaukphyu is reportedly growing fiercer by the day.