Arakan Army-junta clashes remain intense in two Ayeyarwady townships

Arakan Army personnel on parade in Ayeyarwady Region. Photo: AA Info Desk

DMG Newsroom

19 August 2026, Yekyi, Ayeyarwady Region

Clashes remain intense between opposing forces in Yekyi and Thabaung townships of Ayeyarwady Region as the military junta continues large-scale offensives, according to military sources.

Heavy fighting is occurring daily near the Point 101 hilltop camp in Yekyi Township and around Thabaunglay Village in Thabaung Township as junta columns launch persistent attacks.

"The regime is conducting ground offensives with air and drone support to regain control of lost territories in Ayeyarwady," a military source said.

In the Ayeyarwady theatre, the military junta is conducting operations using forces from units under the South Western Command and Light Infantry Division 66, attempting to push through Yekyi, Thabaung and Laymyethna toward Arakan State.

After suffering continuous casualties in ground engagements across Ayeyarwady Region, the military junta launched near-daily airstrikes throughout July and August targeting Gwa and Thandwe townships in Arakan State, which border Ayeyarwady Region.

For nearly a year, the military junta has been attempting to penetrate southern Arakan State through Gwa Township by advancing along the Gwa-Ngathainggyaung Road and the Thabaung-Magyizin Road section.

However, as junta troops face high casualties in their ground advances, they have turned to targeting civilians, according to a male military analyst in Arakan State.

"Regime forces are attempting to enter Arakan State on two fronts: through Gwa-Ngathainggyaung on one side and Thabaung-Magyizin on the other. But because their offensives are suffering heavy losses and falling back, they have resorted to launching air raids against civilians in Gwa and Thandwe," he said.

Clashes in Yekyi, Thabaung and Laymyethna townships have intensified since early 2026.

Military sources said the junta has increased its use of air and heavy artillery support alongside ground attacks.

The Arakan Army and its allied forces have been active in Yekyi, Thabaung, Laymyethna, Ingapu and Pathein townships since early 2025, capturing and establishing control over dozens of military outposts and tactical hilltop bases.