Intense fighting has broken out between the Arakan Army (AA) and the military council forces in Laymyethna Township, Ayeyarwady Region, with reports of significant casualties on the military council’s side, according to local residents and military sources. The clashes, which began on March 17, are centered around villages in the Watkone village tract, including Watkone, Lekhanlae, Lekhangyi, Setsatyo, Chinlae, and Sankone villages. The military council has been transporting their casualties to a crematorium in Oaktwinkone village, located along the Pathein-Monywa highway in the Kwinkauk area of Ingapu Township for cremation, as confirmed by local sources.
The fighting continues to intensify, with the military council conducting airstrikes, forcing thousands of residents from the Watkone village tract and surrounding areas to flee to safer locations. According to military sources, the battles have remained fierce since March 17 until the present day, with local civilians living in fear due to the ongoing airstrikes. The Arakan Army (AA) has reported that they are continuing their offensive operations into Ayeyarwady, Magway, and Bago Regions, which border Rakhine State, according to their official statements. The ongoing conflict has created a significant humanitarian crisis in the area, with displaced civilians facing challenges in finding safe shelter and accessing basic necessities.
