Weekly Highlights from Arakan State (Dec 22-28, 2025)

By Admin 30 Dec 2025

In an era when daily news from Arakan is often fragmented and fast-changing, DMG's Weekly Highlights of Arakan brings clarity, depth, and context to the stories that matter most.

Each week, we round up key political, military, social, and humanitarian developments across Arakan State - connecting the dots between events and offering analysis to help audiences see the bigger picture.

This series is designed for readers and viewers seeking a concise yet comprehensive understanding of how ongoing conflict, governance shifts, and community issues continue to shape lives across Arakan.

Fighting intensifies between regime forces and AA in Kyaukphyu

Fighting between the military regime and the Arakan Army (AA) has intensified in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, with heavy weapons reportedly being used on a daily basis, according to local residents.

Since early December, clashes have occurred almost daily across the township, involving both heavy and small arms.

A Kyaukphyu resident said the AA is not launching attacks from fixed positions near villages such as Thaingchaung, Pyarte and Yaynantaung, but is instead intercepting and attacking areas where junta troops are stationed.

As the military regime faces sustained clashes, a large number of troops have reportedly been deployed in recent days to battalion headquarters, front-line positions and other locations, according to a military source.

Intense fighting has also been reported near the Danyawadi Naval Base over the past few days, with heavy artillery fire.

The military regime held elections in Kyaukphyu, Sittwe and Manaung townships in Arakan State on December 28.

Regime deploys heavy security in three Arakan townships ahead of election

Residents say junta soldiers and police were deployed across Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Manaung townships, areas under the control of Myanmar's military regime, ahead of Sunday's election. In Sittwe, soldiers and police were stationed in crowded areas and residential neighbourhoods, including schools used as polling stations. Security was tightened, with personnel closely monitoring pedestrians.

Residents also reported that all party campaign signs in Sittwe were removed, while authorities urged people to vote.

In Manaung Township, polling stations were set up in schools and government buildings across five urban wards, with junta soldiers and police maintaining tight security.

In Kyaukphyu, security was tightened at polling stations in the town, though residents said fighting between the military regime and the Arakan Army continued outside the township.

The Union Solidarity and Development Party, Rakhine Nationalities Party (RNP), Arakan Front Party (AFP), Rakhine State National Unity Party (RSUNP), Khami National Development Party, Mro National Party, and Mro National Development Party (MNDP) are contesting the junta-sponsored election.

Historic bell unearthed in Arakan State

A historic bell from the Mrauk-U period, long missing in Arakan State, was rediscovered in July by officials of the United League of Arakan.

The bell is a relic from the ancient Arakan era and was reportedly cast during the reign of King Narapati (1638-1645).

Local residents believe the bell is the guardian bell of Arakan State.

The large cast bronze bell measures 86 cm in height, with a base diameter of 65 cm and a base circumference of 207 cm. It has a rim thickness of 4 cm, a body circumference of 160 cm, and an upper circumference of 24 cm.

The bell bears inscriptions in three languages-Pali, Sanskrit and Rekhavanna-and includes the words "Inn," "Ai" and "Kathari."

Locals say Arakan State is rich in ancient heritage, noting that many historical relics remain missing and await further investigation and discovery.

White Rebel team donates over K125 million for Mrauk-U Hospital repairs

The White Rebel team has reportedly donated more than K125 million to help repair damage caused by the bombing of Mrauk-U Hospital.

The Department of Public Health under the United League of Arakan said on December 21 that the team donated K125.5 million for the hospital's restoration.

According to a congratulatory certificate, the funds will be used for the welfare of health workers, hospital renovations, the purchase of urgently needed medical equipment, and the strengthening of public health services.

Myanmar's military regime dropped two 500-pound bombs on Mrauk-U Hospital on International Human Rights Day, December 10, killing 33 people and injuring 78 others.

Following the bombing, healthcare services in Arakan State are facing unprecedented difficulties.

At least six humanitarian workers killed in junta attacks in Arakan State

At least six humanitarian workers providing emergency assistance during the latest fighting in Arakan State have been killed in airstrikes and artillery attacks carried out by Myanmar's military regime.

An airstrike on Mrauk-U Hospital on December 10 killed four members of the Mrauk-U Youths Association (MUYA), who were assisting emergency patients.

On October 31, the military regime also carried out an airstrike on Pannilar Village in Ponnagyun Township, killing 23-year-old Ma Phyo Phyo, a member of the Arakan Patriotic Youth Foundation. Earlier, on October 26, 14-year-old Maung Htay Aung Hein from the Ponnagyun-based Pure Heart Foundation was killed by heavy weapons fire while transporting an emergency patient to Kuntaung Village in Ponnagyun Township.

Maung Htay Aung Hein was the youngest philanthropist in Arakan State and had been working with the foundation since the age of nine.

Humanitarian workers in Arakan State continue to risk their lives amid aerial bombardment, landmines and unexploded remnants of war.

Philanthropists say they face serious challenges, including threats to their lives, a lack of funding and dwindling donor support.

Social aid organisations are providing round-the-clock assistance to residents across Arakan State, including displaced people, through healthcare, education support, accident response and emergency life-saving operations.

Fewer migratory birds recorded in Arakan State this winter

The number of migratory birds entering Arakan State during the winter season has been declining year by year, according to local residents and environmental observers.

Migratory birds usually arrive in October and November, frequenting coastal areas such as Nanthar Island in Rathedaung Township and wetlands along the Mayu River. Locals say sightings have dropped significantly this year.

Residents cited illegal bird hunting, a lack of protection for feeding grounds, freshwater and saltwater beaches, and mangrove forests as key factors driving the decline.

Environmental conservationists stressed the need for greater environmental awareness training and stronger law enforcement to protect migratory birds in Arakan State.

Locals said some bird species are on the verge of extinction due to commercial hunters who catch birds with nets at night in grazing areas.

An environmentalist urged the Arakan Army to impose strict bans on commercial bird hunting, warning that many bird species, including migratory birds, are becoming increasingly rare.

The United League of Arakan has issued a seven-point plan to protect and conserve migratory birds and said violations would be punished under the Environmental Conservation Act.