Junta renews offensive to recapture Arakan Army-held Ponnagyun

By Admin 29 Oct 2026

DMG Newsroom

29 October 2026, Ponnagyun

The military junta is attempting a second major offensive to advance into Ponnagyun Township, an area controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), triggering fierce fighting along the Sittwe–Ponnagyun border in recent days, according to local sources and military observers.

Beginning on October 28, junta forces deployed a column of around 1,000 troops in an attempt to advance from Amyint Kyun Village in Sittwe Township toward Kuntaung Village in Ponnagyun Township.

"When its offensive on Ngapyi Island stalled, the junta redirected its forces toward Ponnagyun Township," a military source said. "Heavy clashes continue around Amyint Kyun Village today."

The junta renewed its offensive toward Ponnagyun Township after suffering heavy casualties and losing warships during its assault on Ngapyi Island in Werathani Township.

Arakan Army spokesperson U Khaing Thukha said Arakan Army forces used advanced technology on October 26 to attack three junta warships stationed in the Kaladan River near Sittwe, sinking two and damaging the third.

U Khaing Thukha added that ground clashes were taking place from Shwe Min Gan Naval Base on the Sittwe–Ponnagyun border to areas near Yaychanpyin on the Sittwe–Rathedaung border.

"Clashes are taking place daily," a man from Ponnagyun Township said. "This morning, heavy artillery fire and airstrikes by junta jet fighters were heard along the Sittwe–Ponnagyun border. Fighting has resumed because regime forces are trying to advance again. The wider conflict here has been going on for months."

The military junta launched its first major offensive toward Ponnagyun Township on September 4 under the name Operation 4926. However, Arakan Army defences and counter-offensives repelled the advance, forcing junta troops to retreat and abandon positions within Sittwe Township.

Fierce fighting has been reported near Amyint Kyun and Pardaleik villages, where Arakan Army troops are intercepting and blocking advancing junta columns.

"Fighting has intensified since the Thadingyut full moon," a resident of Rathedaung Township said. "Uninterrupted clashes are taking place around Amyint Kyun, Pardaleik and Yaychanpyin villages. The junta is using drones and heavy artillery to shell Mosel Island in Rathedaung, while the Arakan Army is responding with continuous artillery barrages."

Amid escalating junta airstrikes, many residents of Rathedaung Township have fled their homes and taken shelter in nearby jungle and mountain areas.

Military observers said the situation around Sittwe was becoming increasingly complex as fighting spread across multiple fronts, with Arakan Army counter-offensives advancing close to the Regional Operations Command (ROC) headquarters in Sittwe.

The junta is attempting to launch offensives from Sittwe to regain territory in Ponnagyun and Werathani townships, but its forces continue to suffer heavy casualties amid Arakan Army defensive operations and counterattacks, according to military observers.