Junta launches multi-front offensive at five locations in Kyaukphyu

Military junta forces pictured during a training exercise. Photo: CINCDS

DMG Newsroom

15 September 2026, Kyaukphyu

Heavy fighting continues in Kyaukphyu Township as the military junta deploys combined army, navy, and air forces to launch offensives at least five locations.

Since September 4, junta troops have launched attacks near Sanae Town targeting Awa Taung, Minpyin, Chaungmyaung, Thaingchaung, and Hsinbote village-tracts, with intense fighting continuing for more than 10 consecutive days.

“Fighting remains continuous and extremely intense. Junta navy warships and air support are delivering heavy firepower to reinforce ground troops,” a male resident familiar with the local military situation said.

At the end of July, the military junta launched similar offensives near Awa Taung, Minpyin, and Thaingchaung, close to the Taung Maw Gyi naval station, but suffered significant casualties and was forced to retreat before launching its current offensive.

Despite intensified operations to expand territorial control in Kyaukphyu Township, junta forces have been unable to break through defensive lines established by the Arakan Army.

“In the current Kyaukphyu clashes, the Arakan Army is not conducting offensive operations; the military junta is initiating all attacks. However, regime forces have failed to capture any Arakan Army strongholds for nearly a year,” an observer monitoring military developments in Kyaukphyu said.

By June 2025, the Arakan Army had established control over territory up to six miles from Kyaukphyu Town, including Chinese Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project sites, while surrounding the Danyawadi Naval Base and No. 32 Police Battalion.

However, in late July 2025, Arakan Army forces withdrew from SEZ areas encompassing Kyattein, Katthabyay, and Kandi village-tracts. The Kyaukphyu front presents complex strategic constraints for the Arakan Army due to diplomatic considerations involving Chinese investments.

Ongoing military conflict in Kyaukphyu Township has displaced approximately 60,000 residents, who face severe shortages of food, shelter, and access to medical care.

Since fighting broke out in Kyaukphyu in February 2025, continuous ground offensives, heavy artillery shelling, and airstrikes have forced residents from more than 70 villages to flee their homes.

In an effort to reclaim lost territory in Arakan State, the military junta launched “Operation 4926” on September 4 across Sittwe and Kyaukphyu townships, while simultaneously attempting to open advance corridors into Arakan State from Ayeyarwaddy, Bago, and Magway regions.