Intense fighting has erupted in Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State, as the Arakan Army (AA) launches offensive operations against military council forces. The battles are taking place in areas where Chinese economic projects are located, with military sources confirming hundreds of casualties on the military council’s side. According to reports as of June 14, approximately 40 military council troops have surrendered, while around 100 have been killed in the fighting.
The AA forces have been conducting offensive operations against Police Battalion 32 in Kyaukphyu Township since early June, continuing their heavy artillery attacks. The fighting has resulted in significant damage to facilities at Police Battalion 32, including detention cells, assembly halls, rest areas, medical facilities, and residential quarters housing military council families. Among those who surrendered are officers up to the rank of Major, with most being young recruits who were forcibly conscripted into military service.
The military council had reinforced their positions in late May and early June, bringing in weapons, ammunition, and hundreds of troops via air and sea routes. Currently, Infantry Battalions 542 and 543, based in Gon Chein village, are conducting artillery strikes, while naval vessels in the Than Sit River are providing fire support. Additionally, over 40 villagers from Byaing Phyu village who were forced into military service escaped and joined the AA forces during the first week of June.
The AA has captured several strategic positions near Police Battalion 32, including Hnan Zae Mountain outpost, Min Tat Mountain outpost, and Leik Kamaw outpost. During these operations, they captured 15 prisoners of war, including a Deputy Colonel who served as the Regional Operations Commander (First Class). The fighting in the Kyaukphyu area continues to intensify, with recent reports indicating entire military council units are surrendering. These developments represent significant territorial gains for the AA forces and mounting losses for the military council in this strategically important region.
