Regime expands multi-front offensive to retake Arakan State territories

DMG Newsroom

25 May 2026, Sittwe

After recapturing some territories across Myanmar, the regime is now intensifying multi-front efforts to reclaim areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), including territories in Arakan State.

The regime is attempting to penetrate Arakan State through its remaining strongholds in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Manaung townships, as well as through neighboring Magway, Bago and Ayeyarwady regions and Chin State.

Ongoing clashes near Sanae Town in Kyaukphyu Township indicate that the regime has shifted to a new operational strategy.

Military analysts say that if the regime captures Sanae Town, it aims to take control of the entire Ramree Island and establish a strategic foothold in southern Arakan State.

“Regime forces are pushing through Sanae Town, which can be considered the central hub of Ramree Island. Their primary goal is to control the island. They aim to break through the Taungup and Maei route to establish a base,” analyzed Captain Zin Yaw, a participant in the Civil Disobedience Movement.

To expand its territorial control in Kyaukphyu, the regime has launched major offensives since July 2025 through the Danyawadi Naval Base, No. 32 Police Battalion and the Bay of Bengal coast. Those attempts failed, prompting the latest push near Sanae Town.

Junta warships are operating close to the coastlines of Kyaukphyu, Ramree, Taungup and Thandwe townships. At the same time, the regime is attempting to enter Arakan State from Laymyethna Township in Ayeyarwady Region, as well as from Magway and Bago regions.

“While these are not massive-scale battles yet, the regime is reinforcing its troops significantly. We have to monitor what kind of operations they will launch next,” said a resident of Ayeyarwady Region familiar with the military situation.

The regime is also expanding territorial control in Chin State, which borders northern Arakan State. Fierce clashes are currently taking place near Kanpetlet Town between Chin revolutionary forces and junta troops.

The regime has established a base in Kangyi Village in Saw Township, Magway Region, and is planning to advance from Kanpetlet Township in southern Chin State into Mindat Township. From there, it aims to move along the Matupi-Paletwa Road to gain dominance over northern Arakan State, Captain Zin Yaw added.

“Paletwa is the linchpin for northern Arakan State. Whichever side controls Paletwa can dominate, control and cut off the entirety of northern Arakan State. Therefore, regime forces have opened a new front from southern Chin State. This battle is the most critical one,” he analyzed.

The regime is also repeatedly attempting ground offensives and expanding maritime operations by firing heavy artillery into Pauktaw, Ponnagyun and Rathedaung townships, which border Sittwe Township.

The Arakan Army has so far countered the regime’s various operations while continuing to strengthen administrative mechanisms and public services in areas under its control.

A military and political analyst said: “We see the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army striving to make administrative departments fully operational, while also building allied and international relations. It appears the ULA/AA is fully confident and has thoroughly calculated its military preparations.”

Arakan Army chief Maj-Gen Twan Mrat Naing stated in his April 10 message marking the 17th anniversary of the founding of the Arakan Army that the remaining decisive battles would be concluded with victory before the end of 2027.

Although the regime is making comprehensive efforts to regain control of Arakan State, it continues to face counter-offensives by the Arakan Army and allied forces in neighboring Magway and Bago regions, alongside military setbacks within Arakan State itself.