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 began on March 17 in several villages within the Watkone village tract, including Watkone, Lekhonlay, Lekhongyi, Setsatyo, Chinlay, and Sankone villages, where heavy fighting continues to take place.
Due to the high number of casualties suffered by the military council forces, the bodies of fallen soldiers are being transported to and cremated at the Oaktwinkone village crematorium, located along the Pathein-Monywa highway in the Kwinkauk area of Ingapu Township. The ongoing battles have forced thousands of civilians from the Watkone village tract and surrounding areas to flee to safer locations as the fighting intensifies.
According to military sources, the fierce fighting that began on March 17 in Laymyethna Township continues to this day within the Watkone village tract. The military council has been conducting airstrikes in the area, forcing local residents to evacuate as internally displaced persons. The Arakan Army (AA) has been consistently carrying out offensive operations in Ayeyarwady, Magway, and Bago Regions, which share borders with Rakhine State, according to statements released by the AA.
