Junta’s ROC in Sittwe fires heavy artillery at surrounding areas

By Admin 14 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

14 July 2026, Sittwe

The Myanmar military’s Regional Operations Command (ROC) based in Sittwe, Arakan State, has been continuously firing heavy artillery, while jet fighters conduct surveillance flights overhead, according to local residents.

From the afternoon of 13 July until around 7:00 PM, military units launched heavy weapons fire. Meanwhile, two jet fighters patrolled the skies above the Arakan State capital, causing fear and concern among local residents.

"Yesterday, artillery from the Mingan military outpost was firing all day long. They seemed to be shelling areas where they believe the Arakan Army is stationed. In addition to the shelling, fighter jets circled the city throughout the day. Under these conditions, we no longer feel safe inside the town. Even though we can still physically live here, the sound of heavy weapons has made us too afraid to stay," a male resident of Sittwe said.

No active clashes have been reported between the military junta and the Arakan Army inside Sittwe Township. However, local residents said the regime has continued firing heavy weapons.

On the morning of 14 July, junta battalions in Sittwe resumed artillery fire. Local residents said the military was targeting areas where it suspected Arakan Army troops were operating.

"I heard about two heavy weapon attacks this morning. Yesterday as well, junta troops fired heavy artillery from the Sittwe side about six or seven times. The military regime is launching heavy weapons almost every day, whether there is active fighting or not," a local source said.

Although there are no active clashes inside Sittwe Township, the military regime regularly launches artillery attacks and airstrikes from Sittwe toward nearby townships, including Ponnagyun, Rathedaung and Pauktaw.

While the Arakan Army has effectively surrounded and blockaded Sittwe, large-scale ground battles have yet to occur, although both sides have occasionally exchanged artillery fire.

To defend against a possible Arakan Army offensive, the military regime has built fortified bunkers around Sittwe and deployed additional troops to the area.