Junta’s push toward Natyaekan base triggers fierce clashes

Heavy fighting erupted along the border of Arakan (Rakhine) State and Magway Region as roughly 200 junta troops, split into two columns, advanced toward the hilltop Natyaekan Tactical Operations Command (Natyaekan TOC) base in Ngape Township, Magway Region, according to frontline sources from the Arakan Army (AA).

The junta is attempting to push along the old Ann-Padan Road, but its advance is meeting strong resistance from AA fighters and allied forces near Pazi and Gokegyi villages.

“The junta is bringing in air support to cover its ground troops, but we’re still managing to hold them back,” an AA source told DMG.

The coup regime is reportedly deploying heavy air support, including jet fighters, Y-12 utility planes, and drones, to assist the offensive.

The operation follows the AA's recent capture of a guard outpost on the only exit route from Natyaekan TOC, prompting the junta to rush reinforcements to the base.

Meanwhile, the Padan-based Artillery Battalion 905 has reportedly been pounding the area with both conventional artillery and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to aid ground forces.

Analysts noted that the junta is unlikely to relinquish Natyaekan TOC without a fight, as the base remains critical for the security of Ngape Township and the central plains of Magway.

“If the AA and its allies take Natyaekan, it would directly threaten the junta’s weapons factories (Directorate of Defence Industries) in Ngape and its control along the Pathein-Monywa highway across Magway, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions. That’s why it is so desperate to hold it,” said a military observer in Arakan State.

To defend the base, the junta has deployed a combined force from Light Infantry Divisions (LIBs) 11 and 99, as well as Military Operations Commands (MOCs) 10, 14, and 17.

Meanwhile, AA and allied forces continue operations in Ngape Township in Magway Region, Padaung Township in Bago Region, and Ingapu, Lemyethna (Laymyethn) and Yegyi townships in Ayeyarwady Region, all along the strategically vital Pathein-Monywa Highway.