The Arakan Army (AA) has launched successful counter-offensives against Myanmar military forces who had become overconfident after regaining some territories from revolutionary forces across the country. The military has been deploying extensive resources including air support, naval support, advanced drones, and large troop concentrations, intensifying their operations since early March 2025 to recapture strategic locations including military command headquarters, regional command centers, and battalion bases that had fallen to revolutionary forces.
While attempting to reclaim their lost outposts in northern Shan State, the military has redirected some of their supposedly victorious units to battlefronts against the AA. However, these forces have consistently failed to match the AA’s tactical prowess and determination, suffering heavy defeats and being forced to retreat in ground operations. On September 4, a fierce battle lasting over two hours occurred near Suntauk village in Ngape Township, Magway Region, where military forces were forced to abandon weapons, ammunition, military equipment, bodies, and numerous backpacks as they retreated.
Along the Bago Region and Rakhine State border, the military’s Strategic Operations Command 14 has been deploying battalions composed of forcibly recruited soldiers under the mandatory military service law. They have increased their troop strength by approximately 1,500 personnel and are conducting continuous offensive operations, resulting in intense fighting in several areas along the Bago-Rakhine border. Daily battles are occurring near Sinlan village in Pantaung Township, Bago Region, in the hills near Nyaungkyoe village, and around Setsayoe village along the Ayeyarwady Region-Rakhine border.
Despite the military’s attempts to prevent the fall of remaining outposts in Sittwe and Kyaukphyu cities in Rakhine State, they continue to suffer heavy casualties against the AA’s defensive positions and counter-attacks. The AA has declared its commitment to continue fighting until achieving all objectives aspired to by the people of Rakhine State, a campaign that began on November 13, 2023.
