Junta battalions fortify Kyaukphyu as fighting escalates

By Admin 10 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

10 January 2026, Kyaukphyu

Fighting in Kyaukphyu Township has intensified since late December 2025, prompting junta battalions near the island town to strengthen their defenses with barbed wire fences.

Locals reported that Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 543 and 542 in Gonechein Village are constructing barbed wire barriers around their camps. The battalions already have brick walls and fences, but new defenses now include concrete walls, barbed wire, and trenches.

"In some places, the distance from the brick wall to the barbed wire fence is more than a thousand feet. They are built with concrete pillars and protected in layers," a resident of Kyaukphyu said.

The junta battalions are located about 4 miles from Kyaukphyu town along the Kyaukphyu-Rangoon highway, with each battalion roughly 1 mile apart. This places them just over 8 miles from Thaingchaung, Katthabyay, and Kularbar Villages, where fighting is ongoing.

Locals say the Arakan Army is mounting a strong defensive stance, having retaken areas previously occupied by the military regime since December.

The battalions were reportedly shelled by the Arakan Army in June 2025, causing explosions and prompting the evacuation of family members.

Kyaukphyu hosts several military installations, including LIB 543, 542, and 34, Danyawadi naval base, No. 32 police battalion, Taung Maw Gyi naval station, and Ohn Kyein naval station.

Fierce clashes continue near Thaingchaung and Katthabyay Villages, about 4 miles from No. 32 police battalion, with the Arakan Army reportedly regaining some of the territory it had retreated from.