Weekly Highlights from Arakan State (Jan 5-11, 2026)

By Admin 13 Jan 2026

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.

Arakan Army captures two forward outposts of junta regional command in Sittwe

Fighting remains intense after the Arakan Army (AA) captured two forward outposts of the junta's Regional Command headquarters in Sittwe, which remains under the control of Myanmar's military regime, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The Arakan Army seized the two outposts on January 9 through ground assaults and drone strikes.

The source said the AA captured prisoners of war during the fighting and that clashes were continuing.

Hundreds of junta soldiers injured in the fighting are reportedly receiving treatment at the regime's 100-bed military hospital, the source added.

The Arakan Army currently controls Ponnagyun, Rathedaung and Paukta townships, which border Sittwe, and is seeking to expand its control by securing villages in Sittwe Township.

Junta battalions fortify Kyaukphyu as fighting escalates

Fighting in Kyaukphyu Township has intensified since late December 2025, prompting junta battalions near the island town to strengthen their defenses with barbed wire fences.

Locals said Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 543 and 542 in Gonechein Village are constructing barbed wire barriers around their camps. The battalions already have brick walls and fences, but new defenses now include concrete walls, barbed wire and trenches.

The junta battalions are located about four miles from Kyaukphyu town along the Kyaukphyu-Rangoon highway, with each battalion roughly one mile apart. This places them just over eight miles from Thaingchaung, Katthabyay and Kularbar villages, where fighting is ongoing.

The battalions were reportedly shelled by the Arakan Army in June 2025, causing explosions and prompting the evacuation of family members.

Kyaukphyu hosts several military installations, including LIB 543, 542 and 34, the Danyawadi naval base, No. 32 police battalion, Taung Maw Gyi naval station and Ohn Kyein naval station.

Fierce clashes continue near Thaingchaung and Katthabyay villages, about four miles from the No. 32 police battalion, with the Arakan Army reportedly regaining some of the territory it had retreated from.

AA battalion commander among six fighters killed in Sittwe fighting

At least six Arakan Army (AA) fighters, including a battalion commander responsible for ground operations, were killed in fighting in Sittwe last week, according to the ethnic armed group.

Battalion commander Major Htet Myet Thein and five other AA fighters were killed during clashes on December 31, 2025, on the border between Sittwe and Ponnagyun townships, the Arakan Army said.

The six fighters were killed by artillery fire from Myanmar's military regime amid ongoing hostilities in the area.

The Arakan Army said Major Htet Myet Thein, 33, was a native of Manaung Township and a capable commander.

A funeral ceremony for the fallen fighters was held at an undisclosed location in Arakan State and attended by commanders, parents and relatives, as well as fellow Arakan Army members, who paid their respects.

The Arakan Army has seized control of 14 townships in Arakan State and is intensifying its offensive to capture the cities of Sittwe and Kyaukphyu.

Fighting has been intense between the military regime and the Arakan Army in Sittwe and Kyaukphyu.

Ramree residents call on ULA to restore internet amid isolation

Residents in Ramree Township, Arakan State, are calling on the United League of Arakan (ULA) to provide public part-time internet services to support local economic and social connectivity.

Locals said they are facing severe communication challenges, including difficulties transferring and withdrawing money, losing contact with family members, limited access to information, and obstacles in conducting business and daily socio-economic activities.

Internet and telephone services have been cut in areas controlled by the Arakan Army, including Ramree, creating a communications crisis for residents.

The loss of contact with family members working abroad has further affected residents' socio-economic lives.

Mobile phone and internet blackouts have also limited access to news and essential information.

Since October 2024, Ramree Island has been without mobile and internet services, with limited communication only possible through military-owned MEC SIM cards.

Arakan Army officials banned MEC SIM cards in Ramree Township, citing military security concerns.

Despite internet restrictions across Arakan State, the United League of Arakan has allowed Starlink internet access in some northern townships, providing limited public service.

In contrast, southern Arakan State remains completely offline, leaving residents with ongoing socio-economic and information challenges.

Ethnic Mro man severely injured in landmine blast in Maungdaw

A 30-year-old ethnic Mro man was seriously injured after stepping on a landmine in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State.

The victim, identified as U Maung Maung Soe from Taung Bazaar Village in neighbouring Buthidaung Township, works as a cargo handler at Bautula Market in Maungdaw.

At around 3pm on January 10, he was returning after cutting wood to build a tent when he stepped on a landmine near Milepost 50, sustaining severe injuries to his left foot and ankle.

He is currently receiving emergency medical treatment due to the seriousness of his injuries. On December 28, 2025, another man lost his left leg after stepping on a landmine near the Bangladesh border in northern Maungdaw.

According to DMG records, between January and December 2025, a total of 27 people, including children, were injured by landmines in Maungdaw Township, while six others were killed.