Clashes Intensify Between Myanmar Military and Arakan Army Near Sittwe

Narinjara, May 16, 2026

Fighting has resumed between Myanmar junta forces and the Arakan Army (AA) across multiple areas in the Rakhine State capital of Sittwe and neighboring Ponna Kyunt Township.

A local military source confirmed that active hostilities reignited on May 13.

"Clashes intensified yesterday with both sides exchanging fire using heavy artillery, small arms, and drones," the source stated.

"The combat is concentrated between Ponna Kyunt and Sittwe, and gunfire has become noticeably louder and more frequent."

Sittwe-based military battalions, frontline outposts, and naval vessels stationed on the river are actively providing heavy artillery support to junta forces. Yesterday, two junta fighter jets bombed neighborhoods in Ponna Kyunt town that were not actively involved in the combat zone.

The military has heavily reinforced its outposts and defensive lines along the outskirts of Sittwe to repel AA offensives. In response, the AA is executing targeted guerrilla warfare tactics.

The renewed clashes follow a recent surge in junta deployments. Over the past few days, the military used air and sea routes to heavily reinforce the Shwe Min Gan Naval Base, as well as positions in Ye Yo Pyin, Taw Kan, Chaung Nwe, Zaw Ma Taek, and some defense outposts.

As fighting edges closer to the state capital, the military has significantly tightened day-and-night security inside Sittwe. Local residents report that junta forces are actively patrolling the streets and arresting anyone found outside past an 8:00 PM curfew.