POWs say junta orders troops to fight without retreat in Arakan counteroffensive

By Admin 21 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

21 September 2026, Ponnagyun

The military regime, attempting to reclaim lost territory in Arakan State through combined army, navy, and air offensives, has ordered its troops to fight without retreat, according to junta soldiers captured by or surrendered to the Arakan Army.

During recent clashes along the Sittwe-Ponnagyun border, officers deployed conscripted militia members on the frontlines while refusing to issue retreat orders, forcing soldiers to flee individually for survival, prisoners of war reported.

"They ordered us to shoot everyone, without sparing even children," said Aung Pyae Sone, a junta soldier who surrendered to the Arakan Army. "They instructed us never to fall back and to shoot until we die. Meanwhile, senior officers stayed safely in the rear to collect promotions and honors."

Aung Pyae Sone belonged to Light Infantry Battalion No. 252 under Light Infantry Division 101, based in Pakokku, and was captured by the Arakan Army on September 16 during fighting on the Sittwe-Ponnagyun border.

He added that when officers received news of heavy Arakan Army troop concentrations in Sittwe, a commanding officer lied to the soldiers, telling them to wait while he went to fetch reinforcements, before fleeing the area himself.

On September 15 and 16, junta forces suffered heavy casualties and were forced to pull back during intense clashes along the Sittwe-Ponnagyun border, according to military reports.

The Arakan Army released a statement confirming the capture of junta prisoners of war along with weapons, ammunition, and military gear.

Junta soldiers who defected stated that the regime routinely punishes troops who retreat from combat zones, with officers tying up frontline soldiers and threatening to execute anyone who attempts to desert.

Despite these measures, many junta troops deployed against the Arakan Army actively seek opportunities to desert, defector accounts indicate.

"None of the soldiers want to remain in this military, nor do they want to fight," said Michael, another junta soldier who surrendered to the Arakan Army. "I encourage anyone who gets the chance to run away."

Beginning September 4, junta forces launched a multi-front offensive supported by naval and air power toward Ponnagyun Township, but the spearhead was broken, forcing a retreat.

Following an Arakan Army counteroffensive that captured four junta outpost positions, the military regime has launched relentless daily airstrikes along the Sittwe-Ponnagyun border.

The Arakan Army has advised local residents in Ponnagyun Township living near active combat areas to evacuate to safer locations.