Intense Fighting on the Sittwe Frontline; Junta Forces Forced to Retreat

Poe War

Narinjara, November 13, 2026

Armed clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar military junta forces have intensified across Sittwe Township, Rakhine State. Sources close to the Arakan Army report that junta troops have suffered heavy casualties, forcing several military columns to pull back.

"Yesterday, they attempted an amphibious landing on Ngapyi Island (Ngapyi Kyunt)," a source told Narinjara. "Our forces engaged them decisively and inflicted heavy losses. Separately, when a junta column advanced toward the Min Chaung Bridge in Ponnagyun, fierce fighting broke out and forced them to retreat."

Residents inside Sittwe report that the bombardment and gunbattles are louder and more continuous than in recent days. Continuous small-arms and heavy artillery fire have echoed across the area since the night of November 12.

"Today, November 13, the fighting is even more intense," a local resident said. "Since last night, there has been non-stop heavy and small-arms fire, and aircraft have arrived to carry out airstrikes."

A local resident reported that fighting between the two sides was extremely fierce on the night of November 12. The sounds of heavy artillery and aerial bombardment could even be heard from within Mrauk-U Township, 88 miles away from Sittwe by road.

"On the night Mrauk-U was bombed, where two young people were killed in junta airstrikes, the sounds of heavy artillery and aircraft dropping bombs could be heard all night long from the direction of Sittwe. It seems the fighting was incredibly intense," he said.

Social aid activists have warned local residents in the Arakan region, including those in Sittwe, to be extra vigilant against the threat of airstrikes. The coup-installed military frequently resorts to aerial attacks when suffering setbacks in battles against the Arakan Army (AA).

Following the Arakan Army’s consolidation of control over 14 of the 17 townships in the Arakan region, military activity between the two sides has intensified in Sittwe and Kyaukphyu.

Caption: The Min Chaung Bridge, currently the site of intense fighting.