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 high casualties on the military council’s side. The clashes began on March 17 in several villages within the Watkone village tract, including Watkone, Lekhanlae, Lekhangyi, Setsatyo, Chinlae, and Sankone villages. The military council has suffered significant casualties, with bodies being transported to the crematorium at Oaktwinkone village near the Pathein-Monywa highway in Ingapu Township for cremation.
The ongoing conflict has forced thousands of civilians from the Watkone village tract and surrounding areas to flee to safer locations. The situation has become increasingly dangerous for local residents due to airstrikes conducted by the military council forces. Military sources confirm that the fighting has been particularly intense since March 17, with the military council’s aerial bombardment causing widespread fear and panic among the civilian population. The conflict has severely disrupted daily life in the area, with agricultural activities coming to a halt and residents facing significant challenges in meeting their basic needs.
According to statements from the Arakan Army (AA), they have been conducting continuous offensive operations in Ayeyarwady, Magway, and Bago Regions, which border Rakhine State. The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, with internally displaced persons urgently requiring essential supplies including food, medicine, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance. The fighting has had a devastating impact on civilian infrastructure and livelihoods, with local communities bearing the brunt of the violence. The situation continues to deteriorate as military council forces employ heavy weapons and airstrikes in civilian areas, leading to increased civilian casualties and destruction of property.
