The ongoing battle between the Arakan Army (AA) and the military council in Sittwe, Rakhine State, has now reached near the Shwe Min Gan Naval Base and Thone Saung village, according to local residents. The fighting, which initially started around Wa Bo and Kyin Maw villages in Sittwe Township, has gradually moved closer to Sittwe city. Currently, battles are continuing near Thone Saung village, Zaw Ma Dat village, and Chaung Nwe village. Military council troops stationed near Wa Bo have retreated, and intense fighting is occurring around Thone Saung village, while military forces have also withdrawn towards Byine Phyu village.
The military council has established fortified bases at Shwe Min Gan Naval Base, Byine Phyu village, and Kyawtaw area, with a significant number of navy personnel stationed at the Shwe Min Gan Naval Base. They have also reinforced their troops between Byine Phyu village and Ohn Ta Pin village, according to local residents. As the fighting is expected to intensify, some locals are planning to evacuate to Yangon, though they face difficulties due to high airfare prices, which have risen to over one million kyats. The military council forces have been conducting artillery strikes and aerial bombardments on Ponnar Kyun, Pauktaw, and Rathedaung areas, using the battles near Sittwe as justification.
Over 8,000 war refugees, along with thousands of civilians, are currently trapped in Sittwe, while those who can afford it are fleeing to Yangon. The Arakan Army had previously issued a notice in 2024 for residents of Sittwe and Kyaukphyu to relocate to liberated areas. The military council’s actions have led to a humanitarian crisis in the region, with civilians caught in the crossfire and facing increasing difficulties in their daily lives. The escalation of fighting near strategic military installations suggests a significant shift in the conflict’s dynamics, with potential implications for the broader security situation in Rakhine State.
