Regime launches airstrikes on Pauktaw as clashes intensify near Sittwe

An AA fighter fires heavy weaponry at a battlefield location. Photo: AA Info Desk

DMG Newsroom

28 May 2026, Sittwe

Clashes have reportedly broken out between regime forces and the Arakan Army (AA) near Sittwe in Arakan State, with both sides exchanging heavy artillery fire, according to local sources.

Residents said the regime carried out jet fighter airstrikes in Pauktaw Township on the afternoon of May 28.

Sources familiar with the local situation said the regime has reinforced its military and naval presence in Sittwe and is currently exchanging heavy artillery fire with the Arakan Army along the borders of Rathedaung and Ponnagyun townships.

“A lot of artillery fire can be heard coming from the Sittwe side. We can hear both sides firing, though it is not continuously back-to-back. Over the past few days, weapons fire has become quite loud again. Right now, the regime is bombing Pauktaw,” a person familiar with the ground situation said.

A resident of Pauktaw said the regime was bombing near the Darkaing mountain range in the Kyeinkhwaymaw area of Pauktaw Township on Thursday afternoon, although details regarding casualties and damage remain unknown.

“The main reason the regime is using aircraft to bomb is because of the intense fighting in Sittwe. Even in the past, the regime would bomb Pauktaw regardless of whether there was active fighting there. The regime is currently bombing the Darkaing mountain range. We do not yet know the details of the damage or casualties,” the resident said.

Fearing a possible Arakan Army attack on Sittwe, the regime has erected fences around the town and confined thousands of residents from nearby villages inside monasteries in Sittwe as internally displaced persons.

Residents of Sittwe said gunfire has been heard near the town in recent days, while continuous heavy artillery fire has been heard since early Thursday morning.

“We have been hearing gunfire again lately. Heavy weapons fire started around 4 a.m. this morning. We are used to hearing artillery fire all the time anyway, so it feels normal now. The situation inside the town area remains unchanged,” a woman in Sittwe said.

Currently, junta warships offshore and military battalions in Sittwe are carrying out jet fighter airstrikes, heavy artillery shelling and drone attacks targeting Rathedaung, Ponnagyun and Pauktaw townships, which are under Arakan Army control.

Military observers said fighting could intensify in Sittwe following remarks by the Arakan Army chief indicating plans to capture all remaining regime-controlled towns before 2027. Heavy fighting is already ongoing in Kyaukphyu Township.