Myanmar military, AA-led resistance forces clash fiercely near junta artillery battalion in Yekyi

By Admin 14 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

14 May 2026, Yekyi, Ayeyarwady Region

Fierce clashes have erupted between regime forces and resistance troops led by the Arakan Army near the junta’s No. 344 Artillery Battalion in Yekyi Township, Ayeyarwady Region, with the military reportedly relying heavily on airstrikes and artillery support.

The fighting began on May 9 after troops from the junta’s No. 344 Artillery Battalion launched an offensive toward areas controlled by the Arakan Army and allied resistance forces.

“The regime wants to regain control of the Ngathainggyaung-Gwa road. Fighting broke out after regime troops advanced beyond the artillery battalion area. As their column came under heavy attack, they continuously used air and artillery support. The junta column is now gradually retreating,” a military source said.

Intense fighting is still ongoing near the artillery battalion, with regime troops reportedly retreating slowly under pressure from resistance forces, the source added.

The junta’s No. 344 Artillery Battalion is located near the Yaynanttha security checkpoint close to Mrauksan Village on the Ngathainggyaung-Gwa road, near the Arakan mountain range.

Heavy clashes have been reported near the battalion since early 2025. The Arakan Army and allied resistance groups have reportedly captured several frontline outposts and advanced to within about three miles of the battalion headquarters.

According to military sources, the regime is reinforcing the area with troops from Light Infantry Battalion 36 based in Kyonpyaw, along with pro-junta militia members.

In Laymyethna Township, fierce clashes between regime forces and revolutionary groups are also continuing as the military attempts to retake lost territory, local residents said.

“The regime is also launching offensives along the Pathein-Monywa road. Their main objective is to regain areas they have lost. Villagers living along the road have been forced to flee because of the fighting,” a resident of Laymyethna Township said.

Residents added that intense fighting is also taking place near Setsetyo, Chinlae, and Pandawgyi villages along the Pathein-Monywa road.

Since early 2025, the Arakan Army and allied revolutionary forces, including Strategy No. 29 unit, have been jointly fighting regime forces in Yekyi, Laymyethna, Ingapu, Thabaung, and Pathein townships in Ayeyarwady Region.