Intense fighting has broken out between the Arakan Army (AA) and the military council forces in Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State, with the military council conducting airstrikes, according to local residents. The AA is launching offensive operations against military council outposts near the Danyawaddy Naval Base while also targeting the naval base itself with heavy weapons. The military council has responded with airstrikes, bombing areas around Thetpoke Taung village and the vicinity of Kyattin and Sinmaw villages.
The fighting began on February 20th, with the military council conducting aerial attacks on villages throughout Kyaukphyu Township. Local residents report ongoing exchanges of heavy artillery fire and daily air raids. While limited travel to Kyaukphyu was previously possible, both the military council and the AA have now completely blocked all entry and exit from the town. The conflict has forced residents from more than 10 villages near Thetpoke Taung area and the naval base to flee their homes, with over 3,000 people becoming internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The military council has cut off telephone and internet communications, creating severe difficulties for local residents, especially the displaced population, in maintaining contact with others. The IDPs are also in urgent need of food assistance. Currently, the Arakan Army is conducting operations against military council forces in Magway, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions in coordination with local People’s Defense Forces, while also intensifying offensive operations against remaining military positions in Sittwe and Kyaukphyu cities in Rakhine State.
Kyaukphyu Township is strategically significant as it hosts Chinese deep-sea port and special economic zone projects. The ongoing conflict has severely impacted the local population, with civilians caught in the crossfire of the intensifying military operations. The situation continues to deteriorate as both sides engage in heavy fighting, with the military council’s use of airstrikes causing particular concern for civilian safety and leading to large-scale displacement in the region.
