Local residents report that intense fighting has broken out between the Arakan Army (AA) and military council forces near U-Ship Pin town in Penwegon Township, Bago Region. The conflict began in January when clashes erupted at the Nyaung Kyo military outpost in Penwegon Township, forcing military council troops to retreat to Nyaung Chaik Htauk and U-Ship Pin towns. Since March 14, fighting has intensified between Nyaung Kyo outpost and Nyaung Chaik Htauk military base, with military council forces stationed in U-Ship Pin town launching heavy artillery strikes toward the Nyaung Chaik Htauk base.
According to local residents, heavy artillery fire could still be heard in U-Ship Pin town on the morning of March 21. The main battles are occurring between Nyaung Kyo and Nyaung Chaik Htauk, with military council forces in U-Ship Pin providing continuous artillery support. As Nyaung Chaik Htauk is adjacent to U-Ship Pin, the fighting is gradually moving closer to the town. Currently, university entrance examinations are being held in U-Ship Pin, and sources indicate that the military council plans to occupy all schools in the area once the exams conclude. The military council is also preparing defensive positions throughout U-Ship Pin, setting up extensive security barriers and fortifications not only at police stations and government offices but also in areas outside the town.
In the battle for Nyaung Kyo, more than 120 military council soldiers were reportedly killed due to friendly fire from military council aircraft and AA attacks. According to former soldier Ko Nan Lin Thu, who has since defected, the remaining troops were routed and forced to flee. The AA spokesperson Khaing Thu Kha has stated that their joint forces have captured all guard posts around Nyaung Kyo village outpost, which connects Thandwe Township in Rakhine State with Penwegon Township in Bago Region. However, intense fighting continues due to ongoing airstrikes by the military council.
