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 at present, 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 today, with local residents living in fear due to the ongoing aerial bombardments. The situation has created a humanitarian crisis as civilians struggle to find safe shelter away from the conflict zone.
The Arakan Army (AA) has been conducting continuous offensive operations in Ayeyarwady, Magway, and Bago Regions, which share borders with Rakhine State, according to AA statements. The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted the daily lives of local residents, who are facing significant challenges related to food security, shelter, and healthcare. The situation has particularly affected vulnerable populations including the elderly, children, and women, who are experiencing increased hardship due to displacement and limited access to essential services. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as the fighting shows no signs of abating, with local communities bearing the brunt of the conflict’s impact.
