Junta, Arakan Army battle for control of strategic Ngapyi Island

Junta naval vessels captured by the Arakan Army during the battle for Kyauktaw. Photo: AA Info Desk

Fierce fighting continues as the military junta and the Arakan Army battle for control of Ngapyi Island, located in the middle of the Kaladan River along the boundary between Sittwe and Werathani townships.

DMG Newsroom

15 October 2026, Werathani

Fierce fighting continues as the military junta and the Arakan Army battle for control of Ngapyi Island, located in the middle of the Kaladan River along the boundary between Sittwe and Werathani townships.

Junta forces began launching amphibious assaults on Ngapyi Island on October 7, successfully landing troops and establishing initial footholds on parts of the island in recent days, according to military sources.

A military source described the situation on Ngapyi Island as critical, with both forces engaged in heavy combat to secure full physical control.

“Under current conditions, junta troops have managed to secure a beachhead,” the source said. “However, the Arakan Army is mounting stiff resistance. The junta is pouring in heavy supporting fire in an effort to advance further.”

To gain full control of Ngapyi Island, the military junta is deploying substantial reinforcements backed by heavy artillery, drone strikes, naval bombardments and air support.

Ngapyi Island lies roughly one mile east of the Shwe Min Gan Naval Base in Sittwe, at the strategic junction of Sittwe, Werathani and Ponnagyun townships.

The island holds significant tactical value for both sides. For the Arakan Army, control of the island allows direct military pressure on the Shwe Min Gan Naval Base and Sittwe proper. For the military junta, holding the island provides a defensive shield for Sittwe while opening a potential offensive route into Werathani Township.

“This island acts as a central hub between the three townships and is crucial for both the Sittwe front and Ponnagyun Township,” said a male resident of Werathani Township familiar with ground operations.

“Rather than attempting to recapture Werathani Town itself, the junta is attempting to preemptively block access routes toward Sittwe by launching this assault on Ngapyi Island, even while coming under heavy attack around Sittwe,” he added.

Alongside heavy ground fighting on the island, the military junta expanded its offensive operations on October 15 by launching heavy airstrikes against Werathani Town.

Ground sources reported that shortly after 12:00 p.m. on October 15, junta Y-12 aircraft and jet fighters carried out intense bombing runs across Werathani.

Meanwhile, as junta forces focus on their amphibious offensive on Ngapyi Island, the Arakan Army has launched counteroffensives targeting Sittwe proper, expanding the active battle zone around the Sittwe garrison.

Military sources confirmed that during these offensives, the Arakan Army captured up to nine junta outposts in Amyint Kyun and Yaychanpyin, along the border between Sittwe, Ponnagyun and Rathedaung townships.