Myanmar Junta Launches Second Major Offensive to Recapture AA-Controlled Ponnagyun

CINCDS / Military junta forces during a training exercise in 2018.

The Myanmar military junta has launched a second major offensive to advance into Arakan Army (AA)-controlled Ponnagyun Township, triggering fierce clashes along the Sittwe–Ponnagyun border in western Rakhine State.

Beginning October 28, junta forces deployed a column of approximately 1,000 troops attempting to push from Amyint Kyun Village in Sittwe Township toward Kuntaung Village in Ponnagyun Township.

Military sources report that the junta redirected its forces toward Ponnagyun after suffering heavy casualties and naval losses during a stalled assault on Ngapyi Island in Werathani Township.

AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha stated that AA forces used advanced technology on October 26 to target three junta warships stationed in the Kaladan River near Sittwe, sinking two vessels and severely damaging a third.

Ground fighting has since spread along the Sittwe–Ponnagyun border, extending from the Shwe Min Gan Naval Base to areas near Yaychanpyin on the Sittwe–Rathedaung border.

"Clashes are taking place daily," a Ponnagyun resident told reporters. "This morning, heavy artillery shelling and airstrikes by junta jet fighters echoed along the border. Fighting resumed because regime forces are attempting to advance again."

The renewed push follows the failure of the junta’s first major offensive toward Ponnagyun, launched on September 4 under the code name Operation 4926.

AA defensive operations and counter-offensives repelled that initial push, forcing regime troops to abandon several positions within Sittwe Township.

Fierce interceptive battles are currently underway near Amyint Kyun and Pardaleik villages. In nearby Rathedaung Township, the junta is employing heavy artillery and drones against Mosel Island, while AA artillery units return fire. Escalating airstrikes have forced many civilians across Rathedaung to flee into surrounding jungles and mountain areas.

Military observers note that fighting on multiple fronts is bringing AA counter-offensives within striking distance of the junta’s Regional Operations Command (ROC) headquarters in Sittwe, severely straining regime positions despite its ongoing offensive attempts.