Fierce Fighting at Nat Ye Kan as AA repels Myanmar military offensive

By Admin 22 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

22 September 2025, Ann

Intense daily combat is reported along the Arakan-Magway border as Myanmar military junta forces launch a major offensive to retake lost outposts on the Ann-Padan road mountain range in Ngaphe Township, Magway Region, according to military sources close to the Arakan Army (AA).

Junta troops, using Nat Ye Kan hill as a defensive position, have deployed approximately 1,400 soldiers from ten battalions, advancing in three tactical columns. The offensive has been met with fierce AA counterattacks, inflicting significant casualties and losses on the regime's forces.

A military source close to the AA stated, "Their operational area is shrinking, prompting these counter-offensives to reclaim lost territory. They are also deeply concerned that if Nat Ye Kan falls, it will pose a serious threat to the Defence Industry Factory 14 (KaPaSa-14).

Due to the effective AA counteroffensive, sources indicate that from an original force of about 1,400 soldiers from the Defence Industry Factory-17 (KaPaSa-17), only around 1,000 remain. The situation on the ground is described as chaotic, with numerous troops missing, deserting, or captured.

Despite these setbacks, the junta continues its assault, employing various tactics with full support from airstrikes and sustained heavy artillery bombardments.

An Arakan military analyst observed, "This frontline holds greater strategic importance for the military junta than the Nat Ye Kan outpost itself. This is likely connected to the planned elections. The regime is intensely eager to hold elections in Ann, Taungup, Thandwe, and Gwa. They are probing whether this route can be used to access Ann. It's clear they are attempting to use this mountain range as an entry point into central Arakan."

Since early February of this year, the Arakan Army and allied forces have enforced a blockade on the Ann-Padan road and initiated an offensive on the strategic Nat Ye Kan hill. They have since captured no fewer than ten junta outposts along the Arakan Roma mountain range.

The regime is now utilizing overwhelming force, expending vast amounts of ammunition with extensive aerial and artillery support, in a desperate effort to hold the strategically critical Nat Ye Kan hill, their last remaining stronghold in the area.