Military Offensive in Southern Ponnagyun Halted Following Heavy Casualties

Khaing Lu Hla (Roma Mray)

Narinjara, September 6, 2026

A major military offensive in southern Ponnagyun Township, located 16 miles north of the state capital of Sittwe, has reportedly ground to a halt following heavy casualties.

The multi-pronged assault, which began on September 4, involved coordinated operations from the army, navy, and air force.

“The junta attacked several villages in southern Ponnagyun Township controlled by the Arakan Army (AA),” a local military source told Narinjara. “They carried out heavy airstrikes and naval shelling alongside a ground assault. However, the military was forced to retreat in several areas due to severe casualties, and the offensive has currently been halted.”

The military targeted AA-stationed villages in southern Ponnagyun from positions including Shwe Min Gan, Tow Kan, Ye Yo Pyin, Wa Bo, Ywa Haung Chaung, and Min Chaung.

“The most intense fighting occurred in the Shwe Min Gan area,” the source added.

“The navy advanced along the Kaladan River to shell the area, supported by aircraft, while military columns advanced on the ground toward Shwe Min Gan and Tow Kan. As they pushed through Shwe Min Gan, AA forces engaged them at close range, inflicting heavy casualties,” he said.

Reports indicate that the majority of the military casualties were newly conscripted militia members from the Regional Production Corps (RPCs).

“On the night of September 4, they bombed Min Hla village and fired heavy artillery before junta troops advanced toward AA positions,” another local source reported. “The AA fiercely retaliated. Many of the conscripts were killed because they lacked proper combat training. It was reported that they didn’t even know how to crawl for cover and were shot down the moment they raised their heads.”

Concurrently, junta forces launched an assault north of the Min Chaung Bridge with naval and air support.

However, a local military source confirmed they have since retreated back to the bridge after suffering severe losses. Following the retreat, Sittwe-based battalions reportedly targeted the outskirts of Kwan Taung village with artillery and drones.

Local residents noted rumors that the Arakan Army also suffered casualties during the clashes. However, these reports could not be independently verified as the AA has yet to release an official statement.

“The AA initially withdrew from a small garrison near Kwan Taung due to being outnumbered,” a resident explained. “But they quickly regrouped and counterattacked, forcing the military to retreat with heavy losses. We also heard our forces maintained the upper hand near Sapa Htar village, where junta soldiers suffered heavy casualties before retreating. Witnesses said the high number of dead soldiers was a grim sight.”

While the ground offensive has paused following the military's retreat, naval vessels and Sittwe-based artillery battalions continue to launch intermittent shelling into southern Ponnagyun Township.

Narinjara is continuing to monitor the clashes between Sittwe and Ponnagyun Township and will provide updates as more information becomes available.