Local residents report intense fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and military council forces near U Shit Pin town in Penwegon Township, Bago Region. The conflict began in January 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. Military council forces based in U Shit Pin town have been conducting heavy artillery strikes toward the Nyaung Chaik Htauk outpost.
According to local residents, artillery fire could be heard in U Shit Pin town during the morning hours, with battles taking place between Nyaung Kyo and Nyaung Chaik Htauk. Military council forces in U Shit Pin town have been providing continuous artillery support, and since Nyaung Chaik Htauk is adjacent to U Shit Pin, the fighting has been moving increasingly closer. Currently, university entrance examinations are being held in U Shit Pin town, and the military council is preparing to occupy all schools once the examinations conclude. The military council has been preparing defensive positions in 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.
In the Battle of Nyaung Kyo, more than 120 military council soldiers were killed due to friendly fire from military council aircraft and AA attacks, while the remaining troops were routed and fled, according to defected soldier Ko Nan Lin Thu. The AA-led allied forces have been conducting offensive operations against the Nyaung Kyo village outpost in Penwegon Township, Bago Region, which connects to Thandwe Township in Rakhine State. While they have successfully captured all guard posts, fighting remains intense due to continued airstrikes by the military council, as confirmed by AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha.
