Intense Fighting Continues Across Three Locations in Sittwe as AA Counter-Offensive Prompts Junta Jet Deployments
Narinjara, September 18, 2026
Fierce fighting is ongoing at three locations in Sittwe Township following a major counter-offensive by the Arakan Army (AA), according to local reports.
In response, the military junta is conducting coordinated airstrikes using jet fighters to support frontline units and prevent the collapse of its bases in the township.
According to a military source, the three primary zones currently experiencing intense combat are:
-Base between Kyan Taw and Taw Kan: A military base situated between Kyan Taw and Taw Kan villages.
-Wa Bo Outpost: A military installation located on the opposite bank of Wa Bo.
-Yae Yoe Pyin Vicinity: The area near the Shwe Min Gan Naval Base.
The source told Narinjara that the fighting escalated dramatically today, September 18.
The clashes follow a counter-offensive launched by the AA in response to a junta offensive against AA positions initiated on September 4.
"The Arakan Army is launching counter-attacks against established military bases," the source said. "While no major bases have been captured yet, the AA has seized certain positions and outposts after military troops retreated. Casualties on the military side are high. Because frontline units are heavily composed of new unexperienced military militia members, they suffer the highest number of deaths and are the most likely to flee."
The junta's original offensive has reportedly reversed course. Facing a relentless counter-attack, government forces have been forced to rely heavily on air and naval assets for defense.
In addition to air and naval strikes, heavy artillery is being fired incessantly from various bases along the Sittwe-Ponnagyun road. These include the Shwe Min Gan Naval Base, the heavy artillery position at A-Myint Kyun, the Padaleik Battalion, the Artillery Battalion, and Light Infantry Battalions (LIBs) 20, 232, 270, and 344.
"The military is firing heavy weapons continuously," the source added. "Air support is striking the surrounding areas to assist ground troops, and the navy is providing fire support as well. The AA is blocking military columns from entering its territory and is instead directly attacking strongholds within Sittwe Township."
Military sources further reported that the junta, which has suffered heavy losses, deployed five jet fighters today to conduct continuous bombing raids against villages near the border of Sittwe and Ponnagyun townships, specifically targeting Khamaungtaw and Warbo villages.
The air raids reportedly began around 7:00 AM onFriday, with a squadron of military jet fighters carrying out strikes across Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Weerathani (Pauktaw), and Thandwe.
As a result of the AA counter-offensive, multiple junta-based units are currently under attack. These include the Shwe Min Gan Naval Base, LIBs 20, 232, 270, 344, and 354, as well as Security Police Battalion No. 12 and Police Battalion No. 36.
Sources state that the situation remains highly unstable, causing widespread turmoil across all targeted battalions, including the Regional Operations Command headquarters in Sittwe.
Photo Caption: This is a photograph from the fighting in Rakhine State.It is an old photo and is unrelated to the current conflict.
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