Arakan Army repels junta offensives as clashes intensify across Arakan frontlines

By Admin 29 Jun 2026

DMG Newsroom

29 June 2026, Sittwe

Heavy fighting has intensified across multiple fronts as the Myanmar military junta launches coordinated offensives to regain control of territories near Arakan State, according to operational updates and field sources on Monday.

An operational report released by the Arakan Army (AA) on June 27 said clashes are ongoing across several areas, including Sittwe and Kyaukphyu townships, as junta forces attempt to advance along multiple routes.

Facing continued territorial losses, the junta has deployed large numbers of troops toward Arakan State, forcing the Arakan Army and allied forces to maintain defensive positions across border areas.

A regional security analyst said the latest offensive follows major leadership changes within the junta, including the appointment of Min Aung Hlaing as president and General Ye Win Oo as military chief.

The analyst said the military is attempting to regain lost ground and restore its image by capturing parts of Arakan State, but junta columns continue facing resistance from Arakan Army counter-offensives.

After failing to make advances through Magway, Bago, and Ayeyarwady routes, junta forces have shifted operations through southern Chin State in an attempt to access northern Arakan.

In Sittwe, local defence forces have restricted junta naval movements toward Rathedaung Township. Ground sources reported that junta naval vessels withdrew after coming under Arakan Army artillery attacks near the Ponnagyun-Sittwe coastal area, where heavy weapons and drone clashes continue.

In Kyaukphyu Township, fighting remains intense around the Taung Maw Gyi naval station, where junta troops have attempted to break through Arakan Army positions surrounding Sanae Town.

Arakan Army forces have reportedly inflicted heavy casualties on advancing junta troops, leading to some soldiers surrendering. The junta responded with airstrikes using fighter jets against Sanae Town on June 27 and continued bombing operations around the naval station.

Clashes are also ongoing along the Arakan-Magway border near the Nat Yay Kan tactical hilltop base in Ngaphe Township, where Arakan Army and allied forces have blocked junta reinforcement columns. In Bago Region, fighting continues near Nyaungkyoe Village in Padaung Township.

In southern Chin State, joint forces involving the Chin People’s Army and Arakan Army have resisted junta advances near Mindat and Kanpetlet townships. The junta has responded with repeated airstrikes using fighter jets and Y12 aircraft over the area.

Along the Arakan Ayeyarwady border, the Arakan Army has strengthened its positions after capturing Point 288, Point 188, and Point 148 hilltop outposts in Yekyi Township.

Fighting remains active in the area as a 400-strong junta force involving troops from Artillery Battalion No. 344 based in Yekyi Township and Pathein based infantry units continues attempts to advance toward Gwa Township through land and water routes amid ongoing airstrikes.