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 confirming significant 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. Due to the high number of military council casualties, bodies are being transported to and cremated at the crematorium in Oktwinkone village, located along the Pathein-Monywa highway in the Kwinkauk area of Ingapu Township.
The escalating conflict has forced thousands of civilians from the Watkone village tract and surrounding areas to flee to safer locations. Local residents are living in fear due to airstrikes conducted by the military council, compelling them to abandon their homes and properties to seek refuge elsewhere. According to military sources, the fighting has remained intense from March 17 until the present day. The military council’s forces continue to suffer significant losses as they struggle to maintain control in the region, while facing increasingly aggressive offensive operations from the AA forces.
The Arakan Army has announced that they are intensifying their offensive operations into Ayeyarwady, Magway, and Bago Regions, all of which share borders with Rakhine State. According to battle reports, the military council forces are losing territorial control in the region, with mounting casualties due to AA’s offensive operations. Local residents are hoping for an end to the fighting so they can return to their homes. The ongoing conflict has created a significant humanitarian crisis in the area, with civilians bearing the brunt of the military violence and forced displacement.
