Regime Steps Up Naval, Drone Operations in Southern Rakhine

The Myanmar regime has increased the deployment of naval vessels in waters off southern Rakhine State’s Taungup, Ramree and Thandwe townships—areas currently controlled by the Arakan Army (AA)—while bombarding townships under the ethnic army’s control in the state’s north.

According to resistance sources and local residents, the junta has also stepped up drone surveillance in AA-controlled areas in southern Rakhine.

Previously, only a few naval vessels were visible at any given time along coastal areas near Thandwe, Taungup, Ramree and Manaung townships. However, around 10 vessels are now reportedly operating in these waters, and they are operating closer to shore.

A resident of Ramree said, “The navy presence has been increasing since before Thingyan [the traditional Myanmar New Year]. Before, they stayed about 20 to 30 miles [about 30-50 km] offshore, but now they are much closer. Drones are also being deployed daily, so people are afraid and avoiding the area.”

The naval vessels have reportedly detained and fired upon local fishing boats at sea, and there are indications that amphibious operations are planned. As a result, many fishermen are no longer willing to go out to sea, according to locals.

A resident of Thandwe Township said, “Previously, there were only about two vessels here regularly. Now we see three, sometimes even four. They move closer to shore and then pull back repeatedly. Heavy weapons are also fired almost daily.”

Citing local residents, a Rakhine media outlet reported that a group of six naval vessels approached an estuary in AA-controlled Taungup Township on Saturday, conducted drone surveillance operations and retreated out to sea the next day.

A military analyst from Kyaukphyu with close ties to the AA said the junta is unlikely to be able to launch a counteroffensive to retake towns in Rakhine State. “It will not be easy to retake them. At most, they may resort to airstrikes and destruction of civilian targets,” the analyst said.

The AA’s spokesperson didn’t respond to a request for comment on Monday.

Clashes are ongoing in junta-controlled areas such as Sittwe and Kyaukphyu townships, and AA forces have also reportedly shelled naval vessels along the coastline.

The AA, which controls much of western Rakhine State, has also expanded its control to areas east of the Arakan Mountains in Ayeyarwady, Bago and Magwe regions. With these territories secured by the AA, the junta is now largely limited to naval operations as its main means of exerting military pressure.

The regime has escalated airstrikes on civilian targets in Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun and Mrauk-U townships in recent days, according to the AA.