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. The military council has suffered heavy casualties, with bodies being transported to the crematorium in 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, forcing thousands of civilians from the Watkone village tract and surrounding areas to flee to safety. Military sources report that the battles have remained fierce since March 17 until today, with aerial bombardments causing destruction to civilian lives and property. The ongoing conflict has created a humanitarian crisis in the area, with local residents facing severe challenges in terms of basic necessities and safety concerns.
The Arakan Army (AA) has been conducting continuous offensive operations into Ayeyarwady Region, Magway Region, and Bago Region, all of which share borders with Rakhine State, according to their official statements. The escalation of these conflicts has resulted in significant civilian displacement, creating economic hardships for local communities, forcing them to abandon their homes, and raising serious concerns about their safety. The situation has led to ongoing human rights violations against civilian populations, who continue to bear the brunt of the conflict’s impact on their daily lives and fundamental rights.
