Junta warship destroys two fishing boats, seizes another off Werathani

By Admin 17 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

17 September 2026, Werathani

A junta navy warship opened fire on two fishing boats off Werathani Township, Arakan State, causing them to catch fire and burn, while seizing a third boat, according to local sources.

The attack occurred yesterday in the Bay of Bengal near Myayngu Island, also known as Anauk Phayonekar Island, where the boats were fishing. One boat was seized by the junta warship, and the condition of those aboard remains unknown.

In addition to shelling the fishing vessels, the navy ship positioned west of Myayngu Island fired heavy weapons and small arms toward nearby coastal villages, residents said.

"The destroyed boats belonged to Muslim fishermen from Hsintetmaw Village," a local resident said. "People from one burning boat managed to escape, but those on the other boat did not have time to flee. The exact casualties are not yet known."

Eight Muslim fishermen from one of the targeted boats managed to escape, while the fate of the crew on the second vessel remains unconfirmed.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that around 10 Muslim fishermen may have died in the boat fires resulting from the attack, though DMG has been unable to independently verify the figures.

Following the naval shelling, residents from Kalarthein and Soemoekyi villages fled to safer areas out of fear for their safety.

Ongoing naval movements and continued gunfire have also raised anxieties among residents in Pyinbote, Kyutawchaing, Yaynyinchaung, Sankarmaw, Nyaungpinchaing, Phoungkhar, and Kyipyin villages.

"Heavy and light weapons have been fired continuously since after 10 a.m. yesterday," a local ground source said. "They then shot at and seized fishing boats in the open sea. Villagers nearby are fleeing to escape danger from the junta navy's firing."

Heavy clashes continue between the military regime and the Arakan Army along the border of Sittwe and Ponnagyun townships, with the military escalating air and naval attacks across the area.

Since fighting erupted in Sittwe, junta forces have repeatedly launched air, naval, and artillery strikes along the Sittwe-Werathani border while stepping up naval operations at sea.