Junta troops surrender amid fierce clashes near strategic Kyaukphyu naval station

By Admin 25 Jun 2026

DMG Newsroom

25 June 2026, Kyaukphyu

Heavy clashes have erupted near the Taung Maw Gyi naval station in Kyaukphyu Township, western Arakan State, with several junta soldiers surrendering after suffering casualties in fighting with the Arakan Army (AA), local military sources reported Thursday.

The conflict area near Sanae Town had remained relatively quiet during the second week of June. However, fighting resumed during the third week of June, with both sides engaging in heavy artillery exchanges and close-range clashes.

"Combat intensity has increased significantly over the past few days," a local military analyst said. "The junta has been sending infantry columns forward continuously. On June 24, both sides exchanged heavy artillery fire that continued into the night."

The junta troops have been advancing from the Taung Maw Gyi naval station toward Awataung Village near Arakan Army-controlled Sanae Town. The advance has faced strong resistance from AA forces, who have carried out ambushes against the advancing columns.

At least four junta soldiers have surrendered to Arakan Army forces during recent clashes, according to field sources. Arakan Army medical teams have provided treatment to wounded soldiers captured during the fighting.

"Four soldiers are confirmed to be in custody, while more troops are reportedly attempting to surrender," another source said. "Captured soldiers said they were operating under strict orders from senior commanders and were warned against retreating."

The junta forces attempting to advance toward Sanae Town have reportedly been ordered not to withdraw. Despite continued troop deployments, Arakan Army defensive operations have inflicted heavy casualties on advancing junta units.

The current fighting began on May 10, when junta forces launched attempts to break into Sanae Town, extending the conflict in the area for more than a month.

Previous junta offensives were pushed back by Arakan Army counterattacks, while Arakan Army forces have taken control of outer defensive positions around the Taung Maw Gyi naval station. The naval facility remains under pressure from Arakan Army forces.

The junta has responded by using naval assets to transport reinforcements and deploy additional forces in an attempt to break Arakan Army defensive lines around Sanae Town.