Junta's Shan State troops flee under fire in clashes with Arakan Army

By Admin 06 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

6 September 2025, Sittwe

Myanmar's military units redeployed from northern Shan State, where they previously seized some territory, are now fleeing in disarray as they face fierce counteroffensives by the Arakan Army (AA) in Magway and Bago regions.

According to a September 5 statement from the AA, the junta had shifted its Shan State battalions to the Arakan border areas of Magway and Bago to spearhead assaults. But these forces have suffered heavy casualties and been forced into retreat under relentless AA counterattacks.

At present, frontline battles in Arakan border areas involve regiments under Light Infantry Division (LID) 99, headquartered in Mandalay Region, alongside other battalions staffed with troops from Shan State. These units are being used as cannon fodder in the junta's push against the AA.

A frontline source said: "I think LID 99 has suffered major losses. Many soldiers are deserting, which is why they're being rotated out. When troops from Division 17 were sent in with full force, they launched assaults - but after the AA counterattacked, they too took heavy losses and pulled back."

On September 4, fighting broke out near Sontaik Village in Ngape Township, Magway Region, involving junta troops from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 574 under Division 17, backed by Construction Engineering Battalion 944, against AA forces. The junta suffered serious casualties and was forced to retreat, the AA said.

Meanwhile, the AA reported that around 1,500 troops - many drawn from recent training courses under Division 14 in Shan State - are currently engaged in continuous assaults along the Bago-Arakan border, where battles remain intense.

An Arakanese military observer told DMG: "The junta uses social media to spread propaganda, claiming victories over the AA. But the reality on the ground is very different: in actual combat, they are collapsing under AA offensives and repeatedly withdrawing."

At present, clashes between the AA and junta forces are taking place not only in Bago, Magway, and Ayeyarwady regions, but also in Kyaukphyu and Sittwe in Arakan State.

The AA's campaign to capture towns in Arakan, which began nearly two years ago, continues with the stated goal of fulfilling the long-held aspirations of the Arakan people.