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 in Oaktwinkone village near the Pathein-Monywa highway in Ingapu Township for cremation.
The ongoing fighting has forced thousands of civilians from the Watkone village tract and surrounding areas to flee to safety. The military council’s continued airstrikes have put civilian lives and property at grave risk. According to AA statements, they have been conducting military operations in Ayeyarwady, Magway, and Bago Regions, which share borders with Rakhine State. Military sources report that the fighting that began on March 17 in Laymyethna Township has been particularly intense, with local residents living in fear due to the military council’s air attacks. The continued clashes in villages within the Watkone village tract have created significant challenges for displaced civilians in terms of security, basic necessities, and healthcare. Local residents have been forced to abandon their homes and seek shelter in nearby monasteries, schools, and with relatives.
The military source described the situation, stating that the fighting has been severe since March 17 in Laymyethna Township. The battles continue to rage in the Watkone village tract area, with airstrikes causing widespread displacement of civilians. The affected villages in the Watkone village tract area remain under intense conflict, with thousands of residents from both the immediate area and neighboring villages forced to flee to safer locations. The displacement has created a humanitarian crisis, with civilians facing challenges in accessing basic necessities, healthcare, and safe shelter. The military council’s use of airstrikes has significantly escalated the situation, leading to increased civilian casualties and destruction of property in the affected areas.
