Junta drops nearly 200 bombs across Werathani Township

A military junta airstrike during the battle to capture Border Guard Force Headquarters No. 5 in Maungdaw. Photo: AA Info Desk

The military junta launched intense aerial bombardments against Werathani Township, which borders Sittwe, shortly after 12:00 p.m. on October 15, according to ground sources.

DMG Newsroom

15 October 2026, Werathani

The military junta launched intense aerial bombardments against Werathani Township, which borders Sittwe, shortly after 12:00 p.m. on October 15, according to ground sources.

In addition to providing heavy air support for the fiercely contested battle for Ngapyi Island, regime forces heavily bombarded Werathani Town and the Kyein Khway Maw mountain range, located directly across from the island.

“Regime forces have been shelling and bombing relentlessly since this afternoon, targeting Ngapyi Island and the Kyein Khway Maw mountain range. The attacks are still ongoing,” said a local source familiar with the situation on the ground. “We do not yet have details on civilian casualties.”

According to ground reports, the junta deployed two fighter jets and a Y-12 aircraft, dropping nearly 200 bombs, including heavy 500-pound explosives, between midday and shortly after 4:00 p.m.

Shortly after 12:00 p.m. on October 15, junta forces used a Y-12 aircraft to conduct bombing runs that struck residential areas within the town. Although no civilian casualties were reported, numerous houses were heavily damaged.

Intense fighting continues as both the military junta and the Arakan Army fiercely contest control of Ngapyi Island.

“As the Arakan Army intensifies its offensives around Sittwe and captures additional military outposts, the combat zone is steadily expanding,” an Arakan military analyst observed. “Given that losing Ngapyi Island would jeopardize the junta's hold on Sittwe, the regime is defending the area desperately.”

Heavy fighting is currently raging across the Sittwe front, prompting the military junta to step up daily airstrikes targeting townships bordering Sittwe, including Werathani, Ponnagyun and Rathedaung.

Active combat is underway at least six locations on the Sittwe front, with both sides engaged in fierce ground fighting supported by heavy artillery, drones and aerial bombardments.