AA-held Gwa town targeted by junta's air and naval forces

Narinjara News, January 31, 2026

In an effort to regain control of Gwa town in southern Rakhine State, located near Ayawaddy Division and currently under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), the junta's air force and navy have commenced attacks on the area.

According to local residents, two fighter jets released four bombs over Gwa yesterday, January 29, around 9 am, followed by another strike from a different jet around noon.

A military source in Gwa reported, "Five bombs were unleashed by the air force yesterday. The target was primarily an old military base, so no significant damage occurred. Concurrently, naval forces fired heavy artillery from the sea, which has become a frequent occurrence."

As the air assaults initiated, the Navy stationed in the Gulf of Gwa launched roughly 20 shells targeting a mountain range near Aden.

A military source indicated that the military commission is attempting an offensive using both air and naval power to strike Gwa.

"We are vigilantly tracking their activities. They are trying to infiltrate Thandwe and Aden via air and sea, but the situation at Aden is becoming increasingly active. They are utilizing both air and sea strikes while also trying to attack with some military units from the land side," the source detailed.

The AA completely seized control of the entire Aden township on December 29, 2024.

Recently, the military commission has also conducted air and naval operations against the AA-controlled townships of Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, and Rathedaung.

Drone strikes and artillery bombardments from naval forces have been reported.

Since the battle for the cities commenced in November 2023, the AA has captured 14 townships in Rakhine State, but three towns—Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung—remain under the junta’s control, with the AA currently conducting offensives in Sittwe and Kyaukphyu.