Major Regime Offensive to Retake Territory From AA Stumbles
The Myanmar military launched Operation 4926 to retake territory from the Arakan Army (AA) on September 4, conducting simultaneous attacks on the border of Ponnagyun and Sittwe townships in Rakhine State, and the Kyaukphyu-Ramree border, in the direction of Sane town. But frontline sources say the military columns were forced to retreat after heavy clashes in the opening days.
In Sittwe, three columns advanced from Min Chaung Bridge, Warbo Island and near Shwe Min Gan naval base toward Ponnagyun.
Despite deploying airstrikes, heavy artillery and drones, the regime’s assaults on September 4-5 were repelled. Two columns were beaten back with heavy casualties, leaving only the column from Warbo Island still engaged, said locals.
Ground sources said the military left behind bodies and wounded soldiers as it withdrew. Fighting near Min Chaung has subsided, but clashes near Warbo Island remain intense, with around 20 junta soldiers’ bodies reportedly recovered by the AA.
“Gunfire and explosions were constant the first two days. Yesterday was quieter, but today it’s loud again. The fighting is fierce. The army couldn’t even retrieve its dead and wounded,” a Sittwe resident told The Irrawaddy on Monday.
In Kyaukphyu, troops advanced from the Taung Maw Oo naval base toward AA-controlled Sane on September 4, coinciding with the Sittwe offensive. But AA ambushes inflicted heavy casualties, forcing the column to retreat, frontline sources told The Irrawaddy.
“The fighting lasted for nearly three days, but the regime column has retreated. Soon after regime troops advanced from the naval base, the AA launched attacks with artillery and drones. The column was hit hard,” said a frontline source.
Pro-military channels on Telegram claimed Operation 4926 was a major land, sea and air offensive in Rakhine, saying the AA had been forced to withdraw from certain locations. But analysts note the opposite.
“They had to turn back in disarray. The army can’t mount effective counteroffensives anymore,” said a Rakhine military observer.
Meanwhile, the regime continues deliberate air attacks on residential areas in Rakhine, killing and wounding civilians.
Residents of Pauktaw Township, which borders Sittwe, report increased airstrikes by the regime. “There have already been three air attacks, and nearly a dozen artillery volleys today,” a Pauktaw resident said at noon on Monday.
Bombing has damaged historic pagodas as well as schools and homes in Ponnagyun. Thousands of villagers have fled. Local farmers said they have been forced to abandon their paddy fields amid artillery strikes.
“We had to abandon our fields and run. Nobody dares stay in the village. Artillery rains down like monsoon showers,” said a farmer.
The regime has lost control of 14 townships in Rakhine State, as well as Paletwa in Chin State, and is now trying to retake AA‑held areas with massed forces.
Offensives are underway in Kyaukphyu, Sittwe, Thandwe and Gwa, as columns from Magwe, Bago and Ayeyarwady regions attempt to push west into Rakhine. Naval vessels off Gwa are also shelling the coast in support of landings.
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