Arakan Army Strikes 3 Myanmar Junta Warships Near Sittwe, Sinking 2, Sources Say

The Arakan Army (AA) attacked three junta warships near Sittwe on Oct. 26, sinking two vessels and damaging a third, military sources said.

The targeted naval vessels—which included a frigate—were stationed near the mouth of the Kaladan River between Sittwe and Werathani townships, shelling nearby villages and Ponnagyun Township to support regime forces.

"These warships were actively shelling Ngapyi Island and nearby villages in Werathani Township," a military source said. "Following the naval strike, junta forces launched relentless retaliatory air raids and heavy artillery barrages targeting Ngapyi Island."

Fierce clashes continued through the morning of Oct. 28 near Ngapyi Island, Wahbo, and Amyint Kyun villages, with regime forces backing ground troops with continuous artillery fire and drone strikes.

The regime launched a major offensive on Sept. 4—dubbed Operation 4926—deploying thousands of troops into Ponnagyun Township. After suffering heavy casualties and retreating, junta forces shifted their focus on Oct. 7 toward amphibious landings on Ngapyi Island, prompting AA counter-offensives against regime positions in Sittwe Township.

Residents reported hearing continuous explosions on Wednesday near Amyint Kyun Bridge and nearby villages as both sides deployed reinforcements to control the strategic approaches to Sittwe.