Tensions rise between Myanmar military, Arakan Army in Sittwe

By Admin 28 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

28 November 2025, Sittwe

Tensions between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) are running high in Sittwe, the Arakan State capital, with skirmishes reported between the two sides, according to local residents and military sources.

The AA has reportedly retaliated against the regime’s Regional Operations Command (ROC) and nearby battalions with heavy weapons as the regime steps up attacks on villages in Ponnagyun, Rathedaung and Pauktaw townships, as well as neighbouring Sittwe Township, which are under AA control.

“There are almost daily clashes in Sittwe. The military regime has started shelling AA-controlled townships with heavy weapons and drones, prompting the AA to return fire. The regime has been shelling villages bordering Sittwe, while the AA has been shelling the ROC and battalions with heavy weapons,” a military source said.

In early November, the AA shelled buildings inside the ROC in Sittwe, injuring several junta soldiers, according to military sources.

The regime has been carrying out daily attacks on Kuntaung, Aidin and Sabahtar villages in Ponnagyun Township, villages on Ngapyi Island in Pauktaw Township, and villages on Mosel Island in Rathedaung Township.

On November 26, a 60-year-old woman from Nyaungpinlel Village on Mosel Island was injured when junta battalions in Pardaleik Village, Sittwe Township, fired heavy weapons.

The AA has also urged locals to remain vigilant as the regime continues offensive operations in Sittwe and Kyaukphyu townships.

A military analyst in Arakan State said the regime may be increasing attacks in Sittwe Township to facilitate the election.

“The military regime’s attacks from the villages are, firstly, due to concern that the AA will launch an offensive against those villages. Secondly, it is believed that the regime has increased security and military operations in order to hold the elections successfully,” he said.

Maj-Gen Kyaw Swa Oo, commander of the Western Command, held a state-level meeting on election security on November 26, junta-controlled media reported.

Residents of villages in Pauktaw, Ponnagyun and Rathedaung townships near Sittwe Township have been forced to flee their homes.