Junta warships active along Arakan coast

By Admin 17 Oct 2025

DMG Newsroom

17 October 2025, Thandwe
 
According to local residents, Myanmar’s military regime has been reinforcing its naval forces along the coastlines of Arakan Army-controlled townships such as Thandwe, Gwa, Ramree, Pauktaw, and Maungdaw in Arakan State over recent days.
 
There were previously two Myanmar Navy vessels in the sea near Ngapali Beach, Thandwe Township, but since the first week of October, at least six warships have been deployed, firing artillery shells up and down the coast toward Thandwe and Gwa, according to local residents.
 
“We can see an increase in the number of Myanmar Navy warships as the military regime is building up naval forces in the sea near Thandwe. These Myanmar Navy vessels are moving back and forth to Gwa, and there are also heavy weapons firing,” said a local source in Thandwe.
 
The Arakan Army (AA) announced on October 10 that junta warships anchored off the coast of Ngapali fired heavy weapons at the area around Thandwe on October 9.
 
On the same day, junta warships anchored in the sea west of Ponenyet Village in Gwa Township reportedly fired 11 artillery shells.
 
Locals in villages near the sea are concerned about the recent movement of Myanmar Navy ships anchored in the sea near Maungdaw and Pauktaw townships.
 
“I heard a loud noise as junta warships approached Kyaukpandu Beach at night these days. The villagers near the beach are also worried about the junta warships coming,” said a woman in Maungdaw Township.
 
At least three Myanmar Navy vessels anchored in the sea west of Anauk Phayoneka Island in Pauktaw Township are reportedly moving toward Kyaukphyu and Maungdaw townships.
 
Junta warships stationed along the Arakan coast frequently shell towns and villages near the shore, and local fishermen in the area are also being arrested.
 
Military observers believe that the movement of Myanmar Navy warships near the coast of Arakan Army-controlled townships poses a military threat.
 
“The Arakan Army currently controls most of the land in Arakan State, but it does not control the sea or air. The military regime relies on warships to move along the coast of AA-controlled areas, and frequently threatens local residents with heavy weapons,” said a military observer in Arakan State.
 
The Arakan Army has warned residents of coastal towns and villages to be especially vigilant and alert to the threat of naval and air attacks by the military regime.
 
The military regime has been attempting to enter AA-controlled areas using land, sea, and air forces in townships in southern Arakan State since a December 2025 election date was announced.