Junta pushes into Ponnagyun as Arakan Army launches counteroffensive

By Admin 05 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

5 September 2026, Ponnagyun

The military junta crossed Minchaung Bridge from Sittwe Township to launch an offensive toward Ponnagyun Township, leading to heavy clashes with the Arakan Army, according to a military source.

The military junta is attempting to secure a foothold in Ponnagyun Township by recapturing Arakan Army outposts near Minchaung Bridge, Kuntaung and Sabahta villages, while the Arakanese armed group has deployed reinforcements to launch counteroffensives.

“The Arakan Army has brought in reinforcements and is launching counterattacks. Both sides are still exchanging heavy artillery fire. Last night, there were airstrikes as well as heavy artillery shells landing inside villages,” said a military source.

Clashes between the military junta and the Arakan Army along the Sittwe and Ponnagyun township border began on September 4. Heavy fighting raged throughout the night of September 4 and continues today.

On the ground, the military junta is attempting to break through using armoured vehicles, supported by heavy artillery fire from seven static outposts and naval warships shelling from the sea.

Military and political analysts assess that the military junta is attempting to establish a foothold by launching an offensive in Ponnagyun Township, using it as a springboard to advance into townships controlled by the Arakan Army across Arakan State.

“The military junta has been planning an offensive toward Ponnagyun Township from the direction of Amyint Kyun Village for a long time. At present, both sides remain in a state of high tension. As the Arakan Army alternates between defence and counteroffensives during active fighting, artillery fire and airstrikes could strike civilians at any moment, so the public needs to exercise extreme caution,” said U Aung Marm Oo, a political analyst.

Due to the clashes along the Sittwe and Ponnagyun border, thousands of local residents from around 20 villages have fled to safety.

Simultaneously with its offensive in Ponnagyun, the military junta has deployed troops in Kyaukphyu Township, where heavy fighting is also underway.

In Thandwe and Gwa townships, the military junta is conducting naval operations in an effort to launch amphibious landings.

In an effort to regain control over Arakan State, the military junta is attempting to break through from Ayeyarwady, Bago and Magway regions as well as Chin State, while advancing through towns it still controls in Arakan State.

“As the military junta is launching offensives across multiple fronts in Arakan State, even though the Arakan Army holds the upper hand over the military, the junta is capable of deploying superior numerical strength. However, the Arakan Army possesses strategic tactics. Therefore, while ground battles are likely to intensify, the regime is unlikely to fully achieve its military objectives,” said Captain Zin Yaw, a military defector.

Military analysts assess that fighting will continue to escalate as the military junta is likely to deploy massive ground forces alongside air and naval power in its bid to recapture townships controlled by the Arakan Army in Arakan State.