Weekly Highlights from Arakan (March 23 to 29, 2026)

By Admin 31 Mar 2026

In an era when daily news from Arakan is often fragmented and fast-changing, DMG's Weekly Highlights of Arakan brings clarity, depth, and context to the stories that matter most.

Each week, we round up key political, military, social, and humanitarian developments across Arakan State - connecting the dots between events and offering analysis to help audiences see the bigger picture.

This series is designed for readers and viewers seeking a concise yet comprehensive understanding of how ongoing conflict, governance shifts, and community issues continue to shape lives across Arakan.

Fighting escalates near Sittwe as Arakan Army attacks regime positions

Clashes between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) near the Arakan State capital, Sittwe, have intensified in recent days, with the regime reportedly providing aerial and artillery support.

On March 27, Armed Forces Day, the Arakan Army attacked the regime’s Regional Command Headquarters and nearby outposts with heavy weapons, while the regime responded with airstrikes on the border areas between Ponnagyun and Rathedaung Townships.

The regime reportedly used jet fighters and Y-12 aircraft to attack Mosel Island in Rathedaung Township, as well as areas near Minchaung Bridge in Sittwe Township.

Amid the intensified fighting, a large number of security personnel have been deployed at exits from Sittwe and at junta-controlled offices. Residents also said that the regime has tightened security in the town and is conducting frequent overnight guest list checks.

Since early 2025, clashes around Sittwe have fluctuated between periods of escalation and temporary lulls.

Drug offences in Arakan State punishable by 10 years to death penalty: AA authorities

The Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) under the Arakan Army (AA) has announced that individuals involved in the transportation, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs in Arakan State will face penalties ranging from a minimum of 10 years in prison to the death penalty.

According to DLEPS, under Section 19(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, the possession for sale, transportation, transmission, or transfer of such substances is strictly prohibited. Those found guilty under this section face a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment up to an unlimited prison term.

Furthermore, under Section 20(a), any individual convicted of manufacturing, distributing, or selling narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances shall be sentenced to a minimum of 15 years to life imprisonment, or the death penalty.

However, some critics pointed to challenges such as bribery in drug distribution and alleged involvement by some personnel within the United League of Arakan (ULA).

Reflecting its commitment to internal discipline, an Arakan Army statement on August 30, 2025, said that 11 distributors, including seven DLEPS members, were arrested in Ponnagyun Township.

DLEPS has urged the public to cooperate as a national duty by providing timely information, participating in drug awareness efforts, preventing cultivation and use, and protecting youth from the dangers of narcotics.

Two civilians injured in junta drone strike on Sanae town

Two civilians were reportedly injured after the military regime carried out a drone strike on Sanae town in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, shortly after 12:00 PM on March 23.

According to local residents, the drone dropped four bombs near the town’s market, damaging nearby homes and shopfronts.

The attack follows a similar incident on March 8, 2024, when a drone launched from the junta’s Taungmawgyi naval base targeted the Sanae market and surrounding area, killing one woman and injuring three others.

Tensions remain high in Kyaukphyu Township as clashes continue between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army.

The Myanmar military has frequently carried out airstrikes and naval artillery attacks on civilian areas, including those under Arakan Army control, contributing to a rise in civilian casualties.

According to data compiled by DMG, drone strikes in Kyaukphyu Township have intensified, with at least 30 civilians killed or injured between March 2025 and March 2026.

Nearly 10,000 IDPs in Kyaukphyu urgently need shelter as monsoon season approaches

Approximately 10,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) fleeing conflict in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, are in desperate need of secure shelter.

Aid workers report that these IDPs are currently living in forests and under trees without proper protection from the elements.

The Zin Chaung Youth Philanthropic Group, which provides aid to the displaced, emphasized the urgency of securing roofing and shelter materials before the rainy season begins. The IDPs are also struggling with extreme summer temperatures, as well as acute shortages of food and medicine.

Over the past year of fighting in Kyaukphyu, nearly 60,000 residents from more than 100 villages have been forced to flee their homes. While about 30,000 people have found temporary refuge in safer areas of Kyaukphyu and Ramree Townships, at least 10,000 remain without any formal shelter.

Assistance is being provided by social organizations and the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO) of the United League of Arakan (ULA). However, the scale of the need is so vast that aid groups are unable to reach everyone effectively.

Displacement in Kyaukphyu began as early as 2024 due to military regime offenses, arbitrary arrests, and the planting of landmines near residential areas. The number of IDPs surged further after February 20, 2025, when the military began targeting civilian villages located more than 10 miles away from active combat zones.

Arakan Army releases 152 junta POWs, family members in Minbya

The Arakan Army (AA) has released 152 junta prisoners of war (POWs) and their family members captured during the battle for control of Minbya, marking the third round of releases by the ethnic armed group.

The release ceremony was held on March 10, during which 44 men, 54 women and 54 children were freed.

At the event, local officials from the United League of Arakan (ULA) formally handed over the individuals to their respective families, who were required to sign acknowledgement forms confirming the safe return of their loved ones.

This is the third release of captives linked to the Minbya conflict. Previous releases included 170 individuals in April 2025 and 225 others in May 2025.

The Arakan Army seized full control of Minbya from the military regime on February 6, 2024.

Education campaign launched to support IDP children in Arakan State

The Arakan Students’ Union (ASU) has launched an education support campaign for internally displaced person (IDP) children in Arakan State who are currently deprived of access to schooling.

The campaign, titled “Future Waves”, is running from March 22 to April 22 and aims to raise K20 million to provide educational assistance.

As conflict continues in Arakan State, the number of displaced people is rising, leaving many children in urgent need of education support.

With the growing number of IDP students, there is a severe shortage of school buildings and teaching materials. In Kyaukphyu Township, where fighting continues, many displaced children remain unable to attend temporary schools set up by humanitarian groups.

Ongoing airstrike risks across Arakan State have also disrupted education, forcing schools to operate irregularly and causing many students to drop out or suspend their studies. Some youths have had to abandon education entirely to support their families amid economic hardship.

Describing education as the “bloodline” for rebuilding Arakan State, the ASU has called for broader public support to assist the next generation.

Since 2024, the Department of Education under the United League of Arakan (ULA) has been operating mobile schools to maintain access to education. However, due to the threat of airstrikes, these classrooms are frequently relocated for safety.