Heavy fighting erupts in Laymyethna as junta launches offensive against Arakan Army-held territory

By Admin 25 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

25 September 2026, Laymyethna, Ayeyarwady Region

The military regime has launched ground offensives against areas controlled by the Arakan Army and allied resistance forces in Laymyethna Township, Ayeyarwady Region, killing a local youth, according to local residents.

Junta troops have been conducting military operations in Pandawgyi, Setsetyo, and Yonsel villages in Laymyethna Township since early September. On September 21, troops arrested and killed 21-year-old Ko Kyaw Thet Oo in Pandawgyi Village.

"The military column marched toward Pandawgyi Village and killed a young man on their return," a local resident of Laymyethna told DMG. "The young man was intercepted and shot dead after purchasing medicine for his mother in Setsetyo Village. The military regime is desperately attempting to recapture territory controlled by revolutionary forces."

The Arakan Army and allied revolutionary forces have captured and control sections of the Pathein-Monywa Road in Laymyethna Township, which the military regime is attempting to retake.

Military sources stated that the junta deployed combined forces comprising troops from the 66th Light Infantry Division, units under Southwestern Command, and junta backed militias to conduct offensives across Laymyethna, Yekyi, and Thabaung townships.

Clashes between the opposing forces continue across Laymyethna, Yekyi, and Thabaung townships, with the military regime relying heavily on-air support alongside ground operations.

"The regime is mounting ground offensives backed by continuous airstrikes to penetrate Arakan State through Ayeyarwady Region and regain lost territory," a military source said. "Clashes occur daily in Laymyethna, Yekyi, and Thabaung townships."

The military regime is also attempting to enter Arakan State through Bago and Magway regions, as well as Chin State.

Desperate to retake lost townships along the Sittwe front inside Arakan State, the military regime continues to engage in heavy fighting in those areas as well.

The Arakan Army and allied anti-regime forces launched military operations in Ayeyarwady Region in 2025. In June and early July, revolutionary forces captured at least three hilltop outposts in Yekyi Township and currently control at least 10 military camps across four townships in Ayeyarwady Region.