Regime bombs two AA-held townships bordering Sittwe

By Admin 24 Dec 2025

DMG Newsroom

24 December 2025, Ponnagyun

Myanmar’s military regime has carried out repeated attacks on Ponnagyun and Pauktaw townships in Arakan State, which border Sittwe, using heavy weapons including airstrikes, according to local residents.

The Myanmar Navy fired heavy weapons at three villages in Ponnagyun Township and several villages in Pauktaw Township on December 22 and 23, locals said.

A junta jet fighter bombed Hsininngyi, Kuntaung and Khamaungtaw villages in Ponnagyun Township on the evening of December 22, followed by attacks on several villages on Myayngu Island in Pauktaw Township on December 23.

“The military regime has been carrying out airstrikes on Ponnagyun and Pauktaw townships these days. Myanmar Navy warships are also firing heavy weapons. The regime is shelling villages in Ponnagyun Township, which borders Sittwe, and villages on Myayngu Island in Pauktaw Township, across from Sittwe,” said a Pauktaw resident.

On the afternoon of December 23, the regime continued to bomb Thaekhon Village on Myayngu Island and surrounding areas in Pauktaw Township using airstrikes and naval fire, according to residents.

There were reportedly no civilian casualties, as villagers had fled their homes amid ongoing airstrikes and shelling.

The regime’s attacks on townships bordering Sittwe are believed to be aimed at deterring the Arakan Army (AA) from advancing toward the Arakan State capital.

A local monitoring the military situation in Arakan State said, “The military regime is facing significant pressure in Sittwe and is unable to protect itself from the AA’s heavy weapons. In this situation, it has turned back to AA-controlled townships and launched counterattacks using air and naval forces. However, these attacks have failed to exert military pressure and have only damaged civilian homes.”

Since early December, the military regime has repeatedly attacked Ponnagyun, Pauktaw and Rathedaung townships— all bordering Sittwe — with airstrikes and heavy weapons.

The Arakan Army controls Ponnagyun, Rathedaung and Pauktaw townships and has encircled Sittwe, the Arakan State capital. The military regime is reportedly tightening security in Sittwe as it prepares to hold elections.