Heavy Artillery Shell Explodes Near Sittwe Airport

Narinjara, 8 October 2026

A heavy artillery shell struck and exploded this evening in a wooded area in front of the Alodawpyi Monastery, near Sittwe Airport, according to a local government employee who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

"A heavy artillery shell landed and exploded in the wooded area in front of the Alodawpyi Monastery, near the airport. It happened around 6:00 PM. It is not known where it was fired from," the source said.

While no casualties were reported because the shell hit an uninhabited wooded area, sources indicate that officials from the military junta are increasingly concerned over the security of the airport.

Local residents also report that the sounds of heavy artillery fire at night have intensified significantly.

“Loud blasts from both heavy weapons and small arms are echoing right into the city of Sittwe. We can also hear the hum of drones. It feels like the fighting is drawing closer to the city,” a resident stated.

Meanwhile, Myanmar Navy vessels positioned in the Sat Yoe Kya Creek are reportedly shelling Ngapyi Kyunt Island with heavy artillery. Located in the Kaladan River within Pauktaw Township, Ngapyi Kyunt Island holds major strategic importance due to its position between Sittwe, Ponnagyun, and Wirathani (Pauktaw) townships.

The Arakan Army (AA) successfully repelled a combined land, air, and naval offensive launched by the Myanmar military against the island on the evening of October 7, forcing junta troops to retreat before they could launch a ground landing.