Junta, AA clash near Sittwe

By Admin 03 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

3 January 2026, Sittwe

Fighting has erupted near Sittwe after gunfire that briefly subsided during the election period resumed in recent days, according to local residents.

From January 1 to January 3, heavy artillery and machine-gun fire were continuously heard around the No. 12 police battalion near Sittwe and a junta regiment near Letwetho Taw Kyaw Pagoda, residents said.

"We have been hearing heavy weapons fire in Sittwe for a long time. These days, machine-gun fire has been continuous," said a woman from Sittwe. "There has been machine-gun and AA fire from the battalions in the city. This morning, I heard more than 10 shots."

Tensions remain high between the military regime and the Arakan Army (AA) in Sittwe Township, where artillery shelling, drone strikes and airstrikes have occurred frequently in the past.

The military regime is reportedly using drones to attack AA-controlled villages, including Wahbo, Myitnar and Minhla, as well as villages along the Ponnagyun border such as Phanthar and Aung Myay Kone. The AA is reportedly firing heavy weapons at junta battalions near the city, including the Military Operations Command in Sittwe.

"We only know that fighting is taking place outside Sittwe. Since it is happening inside the city, we don't know exactly where or how," said another resident. "We can hear small arms fire, so it's difficult to say whether the AA is carrying out a ground offensive."

Local sources also reported an increase in exchanges of fire involving heavy weapons and drones near Amyintkyun village in Sittwe Township in recent days.

Meanwhile, residents said the military regime is preparing to hold large-scale festivities to mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of Sittwe and has begun notifying communities to attend.

"The administration told us to go ward by ward and attend the event," said a woman from Sittwe. She added that the celebrations are planned for Wingabar ground and will include stage shows by hired singers, sports events and student competitions.

The military regime is also reportedly planning to reopen Sittwe View Point Beach, which has been closed since late 2023 due to fighting in Arakan State.

In addition, the regime is said to be shelling AA-controlled areas in Rathedaung, Ponnagyun and Pauktaw townships using artillery, airstrikes and drones.

On December 15, the military regime marked Arakan State Day at Wingabar ground, while junta battalions in Sittwe carried out airstrikes on Ponnagyun, Pauktaw and Rathedaung townships.

Sittwe, founded by the British on January 12, 1826, is the capital of Arakan State and is currently under the control of the military regime.