Arakan Army offensive pushes regime forces to retreat toward Taung Maw Gyi naval station

By Admin 20 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

20 May 2026, Kyaukphyu

Regime forces advancing near Sanae Town in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, have reportedly suffered heavy casualties from Arakan Army (AA) attacks, forcing them to retreat toward the Taung Maw Gyi naval station.

Since May 10, regime forces have deployed naval support and launched an offensive with at least two columns toward areas near Sanae Town, which is under Arakan Army control. Although they initially managed to establish limited footholds, they are now gradually withdrawing due to Arakan Army counter-offensives.

“The Arakan Army is advancing step by step. Regime soldiers are now only left on the hilltop near Mt. Awa. The Arakan Army is launching a very intense counter-offensive,” a Kyaukphyu resident familiar with the situation said.

Since May 15, the Arakan Army has encircled and blockaded a hilltop camp near Awa Taung Village where regime forces had taken position, while also intercepting reinforcement columns attempting to reach the area.

Awa Taung Village lies between the Taung Maw Gyi naval station and Sanae Town, about two miles from the naval base in a straight line.

At present, regime forces have reportedly been pushed back to within just over one mile of the Taung Maw Gyi naval station, while the Arakan Army continues shelling the base with heavy weapons.

“The Arakan Army has been moving closer to this naval station since it captured Ramree Township. The current clashes began after the regime deployed large forces to break through toward Sanae Town. Based on the situation, the Arakan Army may eventually target the naval base as well,” another Kyaukphyu resident said.

Clashes between regime forces and the Arakan Army have continued within a 10-mile radius north of Sanae Town since February 2024.

The regime is now attempting to push toward Sanae Town using the Taung Maw Gyi naval station as a staging point. Sanae Town lies more than 30 miles south of Kyaukphyu Town.

Analysts say that if the regime establishes control near Sanae Town, it could complicate Arakan Army operations toward Kyaukphyu.

A military observer in Arakan State said: “Although the Arakan Army has advanced near battalion positions in Kyaukphyu Township, leaving Taung Maw Gyi naval station behind as a rear threat is risky. If naval forces coordinate with ground troops and secure Sanae Town, Arakan Army units could be encircled. The naval base remains a major strategic threat.”

The Taung Maw Gyi naval station is under the command of the Danyawadi Naval Base and is permanently stationed along the Thanzit River with hundreds of junta personnel.

Kyaukphyu Township is also home to major Chinese-backed projects, and some analysts say this has influenced operational constraints in the area.

The fighting near Sanae Town has continued for 10 days. Due to airstrikes and heavy naval artillery shelling, civilian casualties have been reported. More than 10 nearby villages have been displaced due to the intensity of the clashes.

At least 100 homes were destroyed by fire after regime airstrikes targeted Shwe Hinthar Ward in Sanae Town on May 19.