Clashes intensify along Sittwe–Ponnagyun border as junta renews offensive

By Admin 05 Nov 2026

DMG Newsroom

5 November 2026, Sittwe

Heavy fighting has intensified near Minchaung Bridge along the Sittwe–Ponnagyun border as the military junta presses ahead with a second major offensive toward Ponnagyun Township, using ground troops and air support.

Since October 28, the military regime has deployed troops from Amyint Kyun Village toward the Ponnagyun border, triggering fierce clashes that continue along the frontline.

"Contact battles are ongoing around the Minchaung Bridge," a military source told DMG. "Although the military council is throwing thousands of troops into wave after wave of offensives, the Arakan Army continues to hold its ground effectively."

Junta troops are advancing in large numbers from Amyint Kyun Village toward Kuntaung Village in Ponnagyun Township.

"Despite the regime deploying heavy manpower and air support, the Arakan Army is inflicting heavy casualties on junta forces through tactical counterattacks, combat drones and heavy artillery support," the military source added.

The military junta launched its first major offensive toward Ponnagyun Township on September 4 under the codename "Operation 4926", in an attempt to recapture territory controlled by the Arakan Army. The renewed offensive marks a second major push toward the township.

During the initial phase of Operation 4926, the military regime deployed more than 1,000 troops in five columns. However, Arakan Army defensive operations and counterattacks stalled the advance and forced junta troops to retreat from several positions.

Between November 3 and 5, junta aircraft carried out airstrikes targeting Kuntaung, Kyeinchaung, Tabethlan, Kyunchay, Makkalarkya, Yoengu and Kyaukseik villages, damaging numerous homes, according to local sources.

"In Sittwe, we hear heavy artillery fire, jet fighter bombing runs and machine-gun fire every day," a male resident of Ponnagyun told DMG. "Battles are occurring near Amyint Kyun Village. At night, junta aircraft carry out daily bombing raids, making it impossible to sleep."

Military sources said the junta was making extensive use of military-backed militia forces in its attempts to recapture territory controlled by the Arakan Army.

Meanwhile, clashes continue on Ngapyi Island along the Sittwe–Werathani border, according to military sources.

As fighting continues across Arakan State, the military junta has also intensified aerial attacks on civilian villages and displacement camps, as well as medical facilities, causing growing concern over civilian casualties.