Junta, Arakan Army clash intensifies near Regional Operations Command in Sittwe

By Admin 02 Jun 2026

DMG Newsroom

2 June 2026, Sittwe

Clashes between junta troops and the Arakan Army (AA) have intensified near the Regional Operations Command in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, with the military carrying out heavy artillery attacks and airstrikes, according to local sources.

The fighting is taking place near Gantgawkyun, Wahbo, and Tawkan villages along the border of Ponnagyun and Sittwe townships, areas located close to the Regional Operations Command.

“Recently, intense fighting has been occurring along the border between Ponnagyun and Sittwe townships. Heavy artillery fire can still be heard near Gantgawkyun Village, which is located close to the Regional Operations Command. We can also hear the regime launching airstrikes,” a ground source told DMG.

According to local residents, exchanges of gunfire resumed in Sittwe Township on 28 May, while heavy artillery shelling continued through the morning of 2 June.

A resident from Mosel Island in Rathedaung Township said the regime has been conducting aerial bombardments in an attempt to repel Arakan Army offensives near the Regional Operations Command.

“We learned that fighting is taking place near the Regional Operations Command. The regime is using airstrikes to resist the Arakan Army offensive. The sound of aircraft is heard even more frequently at night,” the source said.

Residents also reported that the regime has been reinforcing its troops in Sittwe by sea since early May and deploying additional security forces throughout the city.

The regime is also reportedly constructing bunkers and making defensive preparations along Shwe Mingan Jetty and Strand Road in anticipation of further fighting.

“The sound of heavy weapons can be heard clearly. We have been hearing about it since around the end of May. Airstrike sounds are also frequent, and aircraft heading toward Sittwe are often seen,” a resident of Ponnagyun Township said.

The United League of Arakan stated on 29 May that fierce fighting is ongoing in both Kyaukphyu and Sittwe, adding that it is now in a position to capture the entire Arakan State.

The Arakan Army has urged residents to remain militarily vigilant, warning that the regime could intensify airstrikes targeting civilian areas as it faces setbacks on the battlefield.