Heavy fighting enters second week along Sittwe-Ponnagyun border
DMG Newsroom
15 September 2026, Sittwe
Clashes between the military junta and the Arakan Army have continued for more than 10 days along the Sittwe-Ponnagyun border, according to local military sources.
Heavy fighting erupted on September 4, with both sides exchanging artillery and small arms fire through September 15.
A local ground source reported daily fighting near Wahbo Village in Sittwe Township, as well as around Aungzeya, Khamaungdaw, and Kuntaung villages in Ponnagyun Township.
“Fighting remains ongoing. Troops are engaging in close-quarter small arms combat, and heavy artillery fire is heard constantly,” the ground source said.
The military junta deployed thousands of troops in five operational columns to launch offensives into areas along the Sittwe-Ponnagyun border controlled by the Arakan Army, triggering strong defensive counterattacks from Arakan Army forces.
During reciprocal artillery exchanges, junta naval vessels fired hundreds of heavy artillery shells at Mosel Island in Rathedaung Township and Hsandawshin Island in Werathani Township.
“On clear days, heavy gunfire and explosions are heard frequently. Even during rain, heavy artillery shelling echoes continuously. Artillery fire was heard again this morning,” a local man in Ponnagyun Township said.
The escalating military operations have continued to force residents from surrounding communities to flee their homes for safety.
Local residents said junta forces are pushing aggressively toward Ponnagyun Town, but Arakan Army blockades have effectively halted their advance.
“Ponnagyun Township holds critical strategic importance for the Arakan Army, which is why regime forces are mounting such violent offensives to break through. Ponnagyun serves as the primary gateway to northern Arakan State, connecting overland supply routes to Rathedaung, Buthidaung, and Maungdaw townships while serving as a central hub for trade and commerce,” a Ponnagyun resident explained.
The military junta launched its multi-front offensive, designated “Operation 4926,” using combined army, navy, and air forces to breach Arakan Army defense lines. Heavy fighting has simultaneously spread across Kyaukphyu, Sittwe, and areas along the Ayeyarwaddy Region border.
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