By Nway / MPA
Clashes have intensified in the Bago, Magway, and Ayeyarwady regions near the Rakhine Mountain Ranges as repeated junta offensives were encountered by fierce attacks from the Arakan Army (AA), resulting in significant casualties and multiple retreats, according to AA reports.
Intense fighting has persisted along the Rakhine mountain range and in the border regions between Rakhine and Bago, Magway, and Ayeyarwady, as well as the Rakhine-Ayeyarwady border. In Ann Township, clashes and counter-attacks have continued for over a week near the Ann-Pa Dan road.
The AA reported ongoing operations in several key areas, including the Rakhine-Ayeyarwady border, 369 Hill, and near Chin Su Village in Yegyi Township, Ayeyarwady Region.
A Rakhine writer told the MPA, “The Arakan Army is asserting control over territories along Rakhine’s borders, likely to ensure the region’s security by fortifying these areas. Once a military force begins to collapse, it tends to unravel quickly. We believe Min Aung Hlaing’s forces are on the brink of total collapse.”
During the week-long clashes, the AA reportedly seized a significant number of enemy bodies, weapons, ammunition, and military supplies. They also captured several prisoners of war.
Among the three major towns still under the military junta’s control—Sittwe, Kyaukpyu, and Munaung—intense fighting has been concentrated in and around Sittwe. Junta forces have been heavily shelling the area using artillery, drones, snipers, and small arms. Daily airstrikes and naval bombardments have been reported, with a noticeable increase in drone activity.
In Sittwe Township’s Gant Gaw Kyun Village, junta forces launched a drone strike on War Bo Village around 1 p.m. on Monday. The attack sparked fires that destroyed multiple civilian homes, adding to the mounting devastation in the region.