According to local sources, fierce battles continue between the Arakan Army (AA) and military council forces across six frontlines in Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State. The fighting, which resumed in the second week of August near the military council’s 32nd Police Battalion and Danyawaddy Naval Base headquarters, remains intense. The clashes are particularly severe in areas including Sapru Mountain, Laypkamaw, Hnamzay Mountain, Mintat Mountain, Pyingshay, and Sanmaw regions, with the military council deploying combined forces from army, navy, and air force in their offensive operations.
The military council primarily employs drone strikes and sniper attacks, while also conducting daily artillery bombardments from naval vessels in the sea. Air strikes continue regularly, and sources report that civilian areas are also being targeted in these attacks. The Arakan Army (AA) is mounting effective counteroffensives, and analysts predict the fighting may intensify further. Approximately ten days ago, the AA was forced to withdraw from four of its outposts near the military council’s 32nd Police Battalion on August 16, following an overwhelming assault by military council forces. However, according to AA sources, they managed to inflict significant casualties on one military council column, forcing them to retreat in disarray with heavy losses.
The AA officially announced on August 15 that fighting continues not only in Kyaukphyu Township but also in areas bordering Rakhine State, including Magway, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions. The military council is attempting to recapture the Laypkamaw camp, Hnamzay Mountain camp, and Mintat Mountain camp, which were previously under AA control. The military council’s offensive involves coordinated attacks using land, sea, and air forces, while the AA continues to defend its positions and launch counterattacks. Local sources indicate that civilian areas have not been spared from the military council’s attacks, raising concerns about the safety of local residents.
While pro-military council Telegram channels have published photographs claiming the capture of AA positions, the Arakan Army has not yet issued an official statement regarding the current military situation in Kyaukphyu. During an AA press conference on August 11, spokesperson U Khaing Thukha declined to provide specific details about the fighting in Kyaukphyu Township when questioned by reporters. The ongoing conflict represents a significant escalation in military activities in the region, with both sides employing various tactical approaches and military assets in their operations. The situation continues to develop, with local sources suggesting that the intensity of the conflict may increase in the coming days.
