Myanmar Navy Conducts Unannounced Military Exercises Near Santawshin Island

Khaing Lu Hla (Roma Mray)

Narinjara, 22 August 2026

A fleet of Myanmar Navy warships currently engaged in active conflict with the Arakan Army (AA) conducted an unannounced military exercise near Santawshin Pagoda on West Phayongka Island, Pauktaw Township, on August 20.

"On August 20, the Navy conducted a military exercise near Santawshin Island involving about seven warships," a local eyewitness reported. "The vessels were clearly visible from the island and fired live rounds during the drills."

The naval exercises reportedly involved both Sittwe-based vessels and warships deployed from the Thit Puk Taung Naval Headquarters in Kyaukphyu.

Because the military high command issued no prior public warning, the unexpected drills have sparked intense anxiety among residents.

“Locals are deeply worried by the live-fire drills," the eyewitness added. "The majority of the population across the three Phayongka islands in Pauktaw Township rely on fishing for their livelihoods. They were terrified when the Navy entered their fishing grounds and began firing out at sea.”

According to residents, the military has significantly escalated its naval operations in the waters between Sittwe and Kyaukphyu in Rakhine (Arakan) State.

The military has steadily tightened its grip on critical waterways along the Ann River, the Myebon Sea, Kyaukphyu, Pauktaw, Sittwe, and Maungdaw. Local administrative bodies have urged civilian travelers to exercise extreme caution when using water transport.

"The warships generally do not enter the narrower river channels, but they do patrol the river mouths," another local resident explained. "We frequently see them arrive at river mouths after dark to anchor overnight. Due to these hostile naval movements, the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) has officially warned local fishermen, particularly those operating around the three Phayongka islands, to remain highly vigilant."

Local sources further alleged that junta naval vessels have been routinely intruding into primary civilian transport routes, indiscriminately firing on civilians, and seizing both fishing boats and passenger vessels.

Military tensions between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military remain critical in Sittwe and Kyaukphyu, where clashes break out frequently. Observers note that the Myanmar military is currently making extensive defensive preparations to resist a looming AA offensive.