AA offensive advances to within 4 miles of Arakan State capital

The Arakan Army (AA) offensive has advanced to within 4 miles of Sittwe, the capital of Arakan (Rakhine) State, following attacks on June 10–11 on a village along the Minbu–Ann–Sittwe Highway that triggered heavy clashes.

During fierce fighting near Nari Kan Village, AA troops captured several junta defensive outposts around the settlement, and casualties were also reported on the junta side.

As a result, junta officers and their families stationed at the Regional Operations Command (ROC), about two miles from Nari Kan, retreated into Sittwe City and linked up with battalions there.

“Gunshots could be heard day and night, while night patrol convoys moved through Sittwe City. Reports also emerged of junta troops relocating from Shwe Min Gan naval station and the ROC headquarters. AA forces captured junta outposts near Nari Kan Village, with some soldiers taken alive. The fighting was drawing closer to the city, and junta warships along the coastline also came under AA shelling,” said a military analyst from Sittwe.

The AA is currently applying heavy military pressure on the Shwe Min Gan naval station, about a mile and a half northeast of Sittwe City, as well as on defensive outposts guarding the ROC north of the city, while also launching artillery strikes against junta warships.

The junta is providing artillery support to its ground troops on the battlefield near Sittwe City but has not yet deployed airstrikes.

Fearing a potential loss of Sittwe to the AA, the junta has tightened security in the city, including night patrols, random checks on residents, and a curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

The AA has captured Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, and Pauktaw townships surrounding Sittwe Township and has also placed Sittwe City under siege.