Arakan Army Advances to Edge of Sittwe as Fighting Intensifies

Heavy clashes have intensified around Sittwe as the Arakan Army (AA) advances to within 2 kilometers of the Rakhine State capital, according to residents and local sources.

Exchanges of gunfire and artillery have continued for nearly a week around Kyay Taw, a village separated from Sittwe by a creek, as well as in areas within 3 km of the junta’s Regional Operations Command and the Shwe Min Gan naval base. Sittwe is one of only three junta-controlled towns in Rakhine.

Residents said AA fighters were advancing from river routes to strike military positions. “Fighting has spread to Kyay Taw over the past few days,” said a Sittwe resident.