Kyaukphyu battlefront expands as clashes erupt at three locations

By Admin 31 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

31 July 2026, Kyaukphyu

Clashes between the military junta and the Arakan Army have intensified in recent days in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, with fighting now taking place simultaneously at three locations.

Since May, clashes had been concentrated near Sanae Town and the Taung Maw Gyi naval station. However, beginning in the third week of July, fighting spread to areas near Minpyin, Yaynantaung, and Zaichaung villages.

"Fighting has been ongoing for about a week at three locations near Minpyin and Yaynantaung villages, around Zaichaung, and near the Taung Maw Gyi naval station. At times, the sound of gunfire and heavy weapons is extremely loud," a male resident of Kyaukphyu told DMG.

Areas near Minpyin, Yaynantaung, and Zaichaung villages had previously seen clashes until late April, but the situation had calmed after fighting shifted to the Taung Maw Gyi naval station area in May.

The renewed fighting came after junta forces regrouped and advanced toward areas controlled by the Arakan Army, prompting the ethnic Arakanese armed group to launch attacks from prepared defensive positions.

"The military likely believed the Arakan Army was focused only on Sanae Town and advanced. However, the Arakan Army was waiting in position, inflicting heavy casualties before the junta troops retreated. Now, the Arakan Army is pushing forward and engaging them again," another local resident familiar with the military situation in Kyaukphyu said.

Since mid-2025, the regime has attempted to push into Arakan Army-controlled territory in Kyaukphyu Township using thousands of troops backed by army, navy, and air force units.

Ground sources said junta columns have repeatedly been forced to retreat after suffering casualties due to the Arakan Army's defensive preparations and counteroffensives from multiple directions.

"The Arakan Army is in a position to seize Kyaukphyu at any time. However, rather than launching major assaults to capture key bases, it appears to be focusing on wearing down junta forces. This raises questions about whether the Kyaukphyu front presents particular military and political challenges for the Arakan Army," a local resident familiar with the military situation said.

By June 2025, the Arakan Army had advanced to within six miles of Kyaukphyu town, including areas around the Chinese-backed Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ), while approaching and blockading the Danyawadi Naval Base and Police Battalion No. 32.

However, from late July 2025, the Arakan Army withdrew from areas within the SEZ, including Kyattein, Katthabyay, and Kandi village-tracts.

Local residents say the developments suggest the Kyaukphyu front may present military and political constraints for the Arakan Army, particularly in relation to China.