Local residents report that intense fighting has broken out between the Arakan Army (AA) and military council forces near Ushitpin town in Pantaung Township, Bago Region. The conflict began in January at the Nyaungkyoe military camp in Pantaung Township, after which military council forces retreated to Nyaungchaiktaung and Ushitpin towns. Since March 14, fighting has intensified between Nyaungkyoe camp and Nyaungchaiktaung military camp. Military council forces based in Ushitpin town have been conducting heavy artillery strikes toward the Nyaungchaiktaung military camp.
According to local residents, artillery fire could be heard in Ushitpin town during the morning hours, with battles taking place between Nyaungkyoe and Nyaungchaiktaung. Military council forces in Ushitpin town have been providing continuous artillery support, and due to Nyaungchaiktaung’s proximity to Ushitpin, the fighting has been moving increasingly closer to populated areas. Currently, university entrance examinations are being held in Ushitpin town, and it has been learned that the military council plans to occupy all schools in the area once the examinations conclude.
The military council has been preparing defensive positions in Ushitpin 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 Nyaungkyoe battle, more than 120 military council troops were killed due to friendly fire from their own aircraft and AA attacks. A defected new recruit named Nan Lin Thu revealed that all remaining troops were routed and fled from their positions.
AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha has confirmed that AA-led allied forces have been conducting offensive operations against the Nyaungkyoe village military camp in Pantaung 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.
