Myanmar Junta Suffers Heavy Losses as Rakhine Counteroffensive Intensifies

Clashes have escalated across Kyaukphyu Township in Rakhine State after the junta declared elections in the Chinese investment hub, with heavy air and artillery strikes driving tens of thousands of residents from their homes.

Battle zones previously confined to areas 8 kilometers from Kyaukphyu town and 6 km from neighboring Danyawaddy naval base have doubled in size after the junta reinforced troops and launched counteroffensives, according to residents.

“Fighting near Minpyin village is very intense. The Myanmar military has been pushing into Minpyin after recapturing Thaing Chaung Taung Mountain. Battles are now raging around Minpyin and Thaing Chaung, with daily [junta] airstrikes,” a source close to the Arakan Army (AA) told The Irrawaddy.