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, with military council forces based in U Shit Pin town 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, with the main fighting occurring between Nyaung Kyo and Nyaung Chaik Htauk. Military council forces in U Shit Pin are providing continuous artillery support, and since Nyaung Chaik Htauk is located close to U Shit Pin, the fighting is moving increasingly closer to the town. 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 examinations conclude.
The military council is preparing defensive positions in U Shit Pin town, establishing 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 troops were killed due to friendly fire from their own aircraft and AA attacks, according to former soldier Ko Nan Linn Thu, who has since defected. He revealed that all remaining troops were routed and fled from their positions.
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, according to AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha.
