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 civilian homes and agricultural lands suffering significant damage due to airstrikes. The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted local life, with particularly severe impacts on children, the elderly, and women who are experiencing psychological trauma.
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 AA statements. Local residents report that the fighting has devastated community life in the region, with civilian infrastructure being destroyed and thousands of people displaced from their homes. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as the conflict shows no signs of abating, with local sources reporting ongoing military operations and civilian casualties in the affected areas.
