Fighting escalates between Myanmar military, Arakan Army in Ayeyarwady Region

By Admin 25 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

25 November 2025, Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region

Myanmar's military regime has launched an offensive against Arakan Army (AA)-controlled areas in Ayeyarwady Region in recent days, sparking intense clashes in Pathein and Thabaung townships.

Military sources said a junta column under the Light Infantry Division has been advancing from Ayeyarwady Region toward Gwa Township in Arakan State. Fighting has been reported in Thabaung Township and near Magyizin Village in Shwe Thaung Yan Town, Pathein Township.

"This time, the Myanmar military is attacking the Arakan Army, causing the fighting. But we know the Myanmar military is taking heavy losses and is retreating," a military source said.

Since November 21, the two sides have clashed near Magyizin Village in Shwe Thaung Yan Town and near Thelphyu Village in Thabaung Township.

Observers say the military regime is aggressively attacking townships in southern Arakan State that it has relinquished in order to hold elections. Revolutionary forces said junta columns were routed by counterattacks from a coalition led by the AA, forcing regime troops to flee.

Military analysts say the regime has attempted to enter Arakan State via the Ann-Padan Road in Magway Region and the Taungup-Padaung Road in Bago Region, but has failed to gain ground, and is now trying to enter through Ayeyarwady Region.

"The military regime wants to enter southern Arakan State, but the situation in Nyaungkyoe and Nat Yay Kan is not good, so they are turning back to enter Arakan State through Ayeyarwady Region. The military regime is firing from warships at Gwa and Shwe Thaung Yan in Ayeyarwady Region. It is impossible to attack the Arakan Army with junta recruits," said Captain Zin Yaw, a participant in the Civil Disobedience Movement.

The regime, which is attempting to retake lost territory with newly recruited conscripts, is committing human rights violations in Arakan State through airstrikes and artillery shelling.

A joint force led by the AA has controlled Magyizin and Bawmi villages in Shwe Thaung Yan Town, Pathein Township, since early 2025.

In a statement on November 11, the AA said fighting was intense near Thabaung Kalay Village in Thabaung Township and Setsetyo and Chinlae villages in Laymyethna Township.