Thousands displaced as heavy fighting intensifies in Kyaukphyu Twsp

By Admin 15 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

15 May 2026, Kyaukphyu

Fierce fighting between the Arakan Army and regime forces, which launched an offensive from the Taung Maw Oo naval station in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, has forced thousands of local residents to flee to safety.

Clashes have intensified near the Taung Maw Oo naval station since May 10, resulting in the displacement of residents from Sanae Town and 14 nearby villages.

"The fighting has been going on for nearly a week. Both local residents and previously displaced people are all fleeing. People from over 10 villages near Sanae Town are on the run. This is mainly due to the regime's aerial bombings and heavy artillery fire from Myanmar Navy warships," said a local man in Kyaukphyu.

Intense clashes continued on Friday near the Taung Maw Oo naval station and Awa Taung Village. On May 13, the regime also carried out a jet fighter airstrike near Sabeichaung Village.

Aid workers reported that approximately 5,000 people from over 10 villages are currently displaced due to the fighting and are in urgent need of emergency assistance.

"There are about 5,000 newly displaced people due to the recent fighting. They are facing many difficulties and need urgent help. These displaced groups include those who had previously fled from Kyaukphyu town as well as those fleeing for the first time now," said an aid worker in Kyaukphyu.

The displaced residents are from Sanae Town and villages including Awa Taung, Sabeichaung, Hmyawchaung, Taungmaw, Kyaukse, Alel Dwein, and Dwaycha. They are reportedly seeking refuge in Ramree and Taungup townships.

Since early May, the regime has been reinforcing its military presence in Kyaukphyu by air and sea with a large number of troops and supplies, leading to the current escalation in combat.

Locals noted that the conflict has formed two main fronts: one near Kyaukphyu town in areas such as Thaingchaung, Chaungmyaung, and Domataung, and another near the Taung Maw Oo naval station close to Sanae Town.

Military observers analyzed that the fighting is likely to intensify further as the regime continues to reinforce its positions and launch counter-offensives.

As Kyaukphyu Township is the site of major Chinese investment projects, it remains a strategically and politically significant location for both the regime and the Arakan Army.

On May 9, the regime-appointed Arakan State Chief Minister U Naing Oo and Arakan State Parliament Speaker Dr San Shwe visited Chinese project areas in Kyaukphyu Township to inspect and discuss project security.

The fighting in Kyaukphyu has become more severe following a statement by the Arakan Army chief, who declared that all regime-held towns in Arakan State would be fully captured before 2027.