Intense fighting has broken out between the Arakan Army (AA) and the military council forces in Laymyethna Township, Ayeyarwady Region, with military sources and local residents reporting significant casualties on the military council’s side. The clashes began on March 17 in several villages within the Watkone village tract, including Watkone, Lekhonlay, Lekhongyi, Setsatyo, Chinlay, and Sankone villages. The military council has suffered heavy casualties, with bodies being transported to the crematorium at Oaktwinkone village near the Pathein-Monywa highway in Ingapu Township for cremation.
The fighting continues to be intense, with the military council conducting airstrikes in the area. As a result, thousands of civilians from the Watkone village tract and surrounding villages have been forced to flee to safer locations. According to military sources, the battles have remained fierce since March 17 until now, with ongoing airstrikes putting civilian lives and property at serious risk. The local population faces immediate dangers from the military’s aerial bombardment campaign, forcing many to abandon their homes and seek refuge in safer areas.
The Arakan Army (AA) has intensified its offensive operations, pushing into territories in Ayeyarwady Region, Magway Region, and Bago Region, all of which share borders with Rakhine State, according to AA statements. The escalation of fighting has created significant challenges for local civilians, who now face difficulties with basic necessities, displacement, and security concerns. The military council’s continued airstrikes have increased the risk of civilian casualties and property destruction, according to local residents. The situation has created a humanitarian crisis in the area, with displaced civilians struggling to find safe shelter and access to essential services while the fighting continues unabated.
