Local residents report that intense fighting has broken out between the Arakan Army (AA) and military council forces near U Shit Pin town in Penwegon Township, Bago Region. The conflict began in January when clashes erupted at the Nyaung Kyo military outpost in Penwegon Township, after which military council forces retreated to Nyaung Chaik Htauk and U Shit Pin towns. Since March 14, fighting has intensified between Nyaung Kyo camp and Nyaung Chaik Htauk outpost, with military council forces based in U Shit Pin town heavily shelling the Nyaung Chaik Htauk outpost area.
According to local residents, heavy artillery fire could still be heard in U Shit 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 Shit Pin providing continuous artillery support. As Nyaung Chaik Htauk is adjacent to U Shit Pin, the fighting is gradually moving closer to the town. Local residents have expressed growing concern about the proximity of the conflict to populated areas.
Currently, university entrance examinations are being held in U Shit Pin town, 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 Shit Pin town, setting up extensive security barriers and fortifications not only around police stations and government offices but also in outlying areas of the town. These preparations suggest an expectation of expanded conflict in the area.
According to former soldier Ko Nan Lin Thu, who has since defected, more than 120 military council troops were killed in the Nyaung Kyo battle due to friendly fire from military council aircraft and AA attacks. He revealed that the remaining troops had disbanded and fled the area. The AA-led allied forces have been conducting offensive operations against the Nyaung Kyo village outpost in Penwegon Township, which connects to Thandwe Township in Rakhine State. AA spokesperson Khaing Thu Kha has confirmed that while they have successfully captured all guard posts, fighting remains intense due to continued airstrikes by the military council.
