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 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, forcing thousands of civilians from the Watkone village tract and surrounding areas to flee to safer locations. Military sources report that 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 into 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 challenges with basic necessities, healthcare issues, and displacement. The situation has particularly affected vulnerable populations including the elderly, children, and women, who are experiencing significant hardships due to the fighting. The conflict has not only created immediate security concerns but has also led to long-term humanitarian challenges for the civilian population in the affected areas.
