AA expands to at least 5 fronts; junta bombs Kyauktaw-Mrauk-U border with 6 jets

Mizzima

The Arakan Army (AA) has expanded its offensive to at least five military fronts, prompting the Myanmar military junta to launch continuous airstrikes on AA-controlled townships in Rakhine State, according to local sources.

At 2:15 PM on 20 July, six fighter jets bombed the area between Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U, a local resident told Mizzima.

“They are currently bombing the area between Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U. The attack is continuing, reportedly carried out by six jets,” the resident said.

The previous afternoon and evening, military jets launched unprovoked airstrikes on Ma-ei town in Toungup Township and Thandwe, causing casualties and critically injuring at least ten civilians, local residents reported.

The junta also recently bombed Gwa and targeted highways connecting Kyaukphyu Township.

Military sources analyse that the AA aims to gain 100% control of the remaining townships by late 2026, while intensifying offensives near the Ayeyarwady Region border adjacent to Rakhine State.

A regional military source stated that the AA has opened at least five active fronts – including Sittwe and Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State; Nat Yekan, Padan, and Kyaukpadaung in Magway Region; and parts of Ayeyarwady Region. To block junta reinforcements, the AA has secured strategic bases in Saw and Mindon townships.

“Struggling to anticipate the AA’s unpredictable offensives, the military junta is finding it difficult to deploy reinforcements effectively. Unable to match the AA’s tactical maneuvers with troops and ammunition, the junta sought a ceasefire under Chinese pressure. When the Arakan side rejected it, the junta retaliated by intensifying airstrikes against innocent civilians,” the source told Mizzima.

Despite intense airstrikes, the AA continues to expand its fronts. CDM Captain Zin Yaw noted on social media on 20 July that the AA has successfully established functional administrative apparatus across almost all townships, except Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung.

Currently, the military junta is repeatedly targeting most of the 15 towns controlled by the AA with airstrikes.