Arakan Army Seizes Weapons and Bodies as Junta Forces Retreat After Intense Fighting in Ayeyarwady Division

Khaing Lu Hla (Roma Mray)

Narinjara, August 13, 2026

The Arakan Army (AA) engaged in fierce clashes with Myanmar junta forces across five locations in Ye Kyi and Thar Paung townships, located in the Ayeyarwady Division, on August 12.

According to an AA statement released on August 13 alongside photographic evidence, the junta forces were forced to retreat after suffering heavy casualties. AA troops subsequently seized military equipment, ammunition, and the bodies of fallen junta soldiers during clearing operations.

The military junta launched a massive, coordinated offensive targeting AA positions near Point 101 in Ye Kyi Township and near Thar Paung Kalay Village in Thar Paung Township.

The attacking force consisted of the 101st Battalion under the Myanmar Army’s 66th Division, which had been advancing from Thar Paung Township.

AA forces engaged the advancing columns in five separate locations throughout the day.

One major clash occurred roughly 1,000 meters east of Thar Paung Kalay Village, lasting three hours from 6:53 a.m. to 9:53 a.m.

The Myanmar Army launched a fierce assault utilizing air strikes, drone deployments, and ground artillery support. However, AA soldiers successfully resisted and counterattacked, forcing the junta troops to retreat with heavy losses.

The AA recovered weapons, ammunition, and several bodies from the battlefield following the encounter.

Concurrently, junta columns from the 1st and 11th Battalions under the 66th Division launched an offensive from the direction of Ye Kyi Township. They clashed with AA forces about 373 meters south of Point 101 Hill from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Another intense engagement took place 1.13 kilometers southwest of Point 101 Hill, lasting from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Two additional clashes erupted nearby when junta forces targeted other established AA positions.

The AA reported that the military deployed fighter jets, Y-12 transport aircraft, drones, and heavy artillery in their massive assault. Despite the heavy bombardment, AA forces maintained strong resistance, ultimately breaking the offensive and capturing additional enemy bodies and military hardware.

The Arakan Army leadership and military headquarters concluded the statement by paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the AA soldiers who fought courageously to repulse the enemy attacks and secure the victories.