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 outpost and Nyaung Chaik Htauk military base, with military council forces stationed in U Shit Pin town conducting heavy artillery strikes toward the Nyaung Chaik Htauk base.
According to local residents, heavy artillery fire could still be heard in U Shit Pin town on the morning of March 21. The current fighting is primarily concentrated between Nyaung Kyo and Nyaung Chaik Htauk, with military council forces in U Shit Pin town providing continuous artillery support. As Nyaung Chaik Htauk is adjacent to U Shit Pin, the fighting is gradually moving closer to the town. Local sources indicate that while university entrance examinations are currently being held in U Shit Pin town, the military council is preparing to occupy all schools once the exams conclude. Additionally, the military council is establishing defensive positions throughout U Shit Pin town, setting up extensive security barriers and fortifications not only at police stations and government offices but also in areas outside the town.
A former soldier who defected, Ko Nan Lin Thu, revealed that over 120 military council troops were killed in the Nyaung Kyo battle due to friendly fire from military council aircraft and AA attacks. The remaining troops reportedly disbanded and fled. The AA-led joint forces have been conducting offensive operations against the Nyaung Kyo village outpost in Penwegon Township, which connects to Thandwe Township in Rakhine State. According to AA spokesperson Khaing Thu Kha, while they have successfully captured all guard posts, intense fighting continues due to military council airstrikes.
