Arakan Army-led resistance forces halt junta advance in Padaung with ambush

DMG Newsroom

24 June 2026, Padaung, Bago Region

A Myanmar military junta offensive column attempting to recapture a strategic position was forced to withdraw after being ambushed by Arakan Army (AA) forces and allied resistance groups in Padaung Township, Bago Region, local military sources said Wednesday.

The clash occurred along the Arakan-Bago border area as junta troops advanced toward Nyaungkyoe Village in an attempt to breach resistance positions.

Junta forces have repeatedly attempted to regain control of the Nyaungkyoe area, according to local sources.

Monitoring groups reported that Arakan Army-led revolutionary forces intercepted the military column near Mt. Laylar during recent operations, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing surviving junta troops to abandon their advance.

"Regime forces established a forward base at Hsinlan Village to prepare for their offensive toward the Nyaungkyoe garrison," a local military source said.

"The resistance forces remained prepared and did not launch preemptive attacks. When the junta column attempted to move toward Nyaungkyoe Village, Arakan Army-led resistance forces engaged and halted their advance near Mt. Laylar," the source added.

Junta troops have maintained a presence in Hsinlan Village since June 17, using the area as a forward base for operations. Fighting remains concentrated around the rugged terrain of Mt. Laylar.

Following ceasefire arrangements in northern Shan State, the military regime has redirected combat forces toward other frontlines.

Large military columns have been deployed through border routes connecting Bago, Magway, and Ayeyarwady regions, as well as Chin State, to launch offensives against resistance positions in and around Arakan State.

"The military leadership is prioritizing the recovery of territories it has lost in Arakan," a regional military analyst said. "They are using different tactical approaches along accessible routes and relying on newly recruited conscripts to maintain offensive operations. As a result, clashes along the Arakan border areas are expected to intensify."

The Arakan Army expanded its operations beyond its traditional areas in early 2025, launching military activities around the Otshipin military station in Padaung Township.

Resistance forces currently maintain operational control over several military positions in the border area, including the Nyaungkyoe garrison, Moehti tactical base, and Point 666 hilltop camp.