Myanmar Junta Escalates Ground Offensive, Airstrikes to Recapture AA-Held Village in Ponnagyun

Myanmar's military junta has escalated a major ground offensive backed by heavy airstrikes and artillery in an attempt to recapture Kuntaung Village, a tactically vital position in Ponnagyun Township controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), military sources and residents said.

Regime forces launched the renewed push on Oct. 28, deploying thousands of troops with strict orders not to retreat despite taking heavy casualties.

“Clashes near Kuntaung Village erupt every day,” a military source told DMG. “The military is pushing the offensive with thousands of troops, backed by extensive air and heavy artillery support. The revolutionary forces are holding their ground effectively using infantry, heavy weapons, and drones.”

Fighting is currently concentrated around the Minchaung Bridge and Kuntaung Village. The assault follows a failed initial attempt codenamed “Operation 4926,” launched on Sept. 4, in which junta forces were forced to retreat after encountering stiff resistance from AA units.

Local residents noted that the offensive intensified following the assignment of a new regional commander, Maj. Gen. Kyaw Zaw, whose primary objective is retaking Ponnagyun.

“Following the failure of the first Operation 4926 offensive, we have seen the military launch consecutive waves of attacks,” a Ponnagyun resident said.

“Although Kuntaung is a village on the outskirts of Ponnagyun, it holds significant tactical importance because it provides a route for exerting military pressure toward the Sittwe–Ponnagyun border and Rathedaung.”

Heavy artillery shelling and ground clashes continued through Monday morning. Simultaneously, junta forces are maintaining a parallel assault on AA-controlled Ngapyi Island in neighboring Werathani Township, where intense fighting remains ongoing.