Junta extends martial law in 55 townships, including AA-held areas
DMG Newsroom
19 October 2026, Kyauktaw
The military junta has extended martial law for another 90 days in 55 townships across Myanmar where it has lost territorial control, including 15 townships controlled by the Arakan Army (AA).
Myanmar military chief General Ye Win Oo signed the order extending martial law on October 18.
The affected townships are located in Arakan, Chin, Kayah, Kayin and Shan states, as well as Sagaing and Magway regions, where the junta has lost administrative control and continues to face intense fighting.
The latest order reduces the number of townships under martial law from 58 to 55, removing Nganzun, Kyaukme and Hsipaw townships from the list.
After Min Aung Hlaing appointed himself president, the military junta declared a 90-day state of emergency and imposed martial law in 60 townships across nine states and regions on April 23, 2026.
On July 22, the junta removed Falam and Tonzang townships in Chin State from the list.
With the latest removal of Nganzun, Kyaukme and Hsipaw townships, martial law remains in effect in the other 55 townships.
In Arakan State, the townships listed under martial law include Kyauktaw, Mrauk U, Anjanapura, Myebon, Werathani, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Ann, Taungup, Thandwe, Gwa and Ramree.
Elsewhere, the list includes Sumprabum, Shwegu, Injangyang, Hsawlaw and Chipwe townships in Kachin State; Shadaw, Hpasawng and Mese townships in Kayah State; and Kawkareik and Kyainseikgyi townships in Kayin State.
In Chin State, the order covers Paletwa, Kanpetlet, Thantlang, Mindat and Matupi townships. In Sagaing Region, it applies to Kawlin, Pinlebu, Khin U, Wetlet, Kani, Depayin, Pale and Indaw townships.
In Magway Region, the designated townships are Pauk, Myaing, Saw, Htilin and Yesagyo. In Shan State, they include Namtu, Mabein, Kutkai, Namhsan, Hsenwi, Kunlong, Manton, Hopang, Laukkai, Konkyan, Momeik and Mongla.
In townships under its control, the Arakan Army has established the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government, which provides public security, law enforcement, healthcare, education and regional development services.
The Arakan Army is also continuing offensive operations aimed at capturing the remaining junta held towns in Arakan State: Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Manaung.
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