Fighting over control of Rakhine State’s Kyakphyu Township resumes

Fighting between regime forces and the Arakan Army (AA) in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, resumed on July 21 following an 11-day pause since July 10. The AA claims it controls nearly all areas surrounding the deep sea port of Kyaukphyu, which is home to several Chinese investment projects.

The regime controls Kyaukphyu town, as well as the Danyawaddy Naval Base, and Maday Island. This is where the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone is located south of Kyaukphyu town, home to several China-backed infrastructure projects.

The 11-day pause in fighting was used to bring reinforcements in

to Kyaukphyu, via sea routes. Regime forces launched retaliatory air and artillery strikes against the AA on July 21, resuming its offensive.