AA Shelling Signals Imminent Assault on Rakhine Capital as Myanmar Junta Digs In

Myanmar’s military regime and the ethnic Arakan Army (AA) have been exchanging artillery fire in Rakhine State’s Sittwe Township since Friday, prompting speculation of an impending battle.

Sittwe, the state’s capital and seat of junta administration, is the only town in northern Rakhine still controlled by the regime. In southern Rakhine, its control has shrunk to only two townships – Manaung and Kyaukphyu. The AA has captured the remaining 14 Rakhine townships since launching its offensive in November 2023.

Junta battalions in Sittwe have been firing artillery randomly at neighboring territories held by the AA since December. The AA began responding on Friday and exchanged artillery strikes over the weekend, according to residents.