Junta steps up aerial surveillance, attacks along Ramree-Taungup road section

By Admin 18 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

18 July 2026, Ramree

The junta is reportedly conducting aerial surveillance and launching attacks using paramotors, gyrocopters and drones along the Ramree-Maei road section connecting Ramree and Taungup townships, according to local residents.

The aerial operations are being carried out along the entire road section by junta forces based in Kyaukphyu, the Taung Maw Gyi naval station and naval vessels deployed near Minkyaung Creek in Ramree Township, using paramotors, gyrocopters and drones.

Junta forces began monitoring and attacking the road section during the second week of July. On July 14, they used a gyrocopter to bomb the Minkyaung Creek Bridge.

"We can no longer travel freely like before. If you need to cross that road, you have to inquire about the situation first. Since traveling has become hazardous, it has severely disrupted the regional flow of goods and local livelihoods," a male resident of Ramree told DMG.

The Ramree-Taungup road section passes through the Wunbaik Mangrove Forest and connects Ramree and Kyaukphyu townships. The Minkyaung Creek Bridge, which was bombed by the junta, is located inside the Wunbaik Mangrove Forest and is only about nine miles from the Taung Maw Gyi naval station, where intense clashes are currently taking place.

The Ramree-Taungup road section serves as a vital economic route for local commerce. Due to the ongoing attacks, residents are living in constant fear, while their daily socio-economic activities have suffered significant disruption.

Locals believe the junta's intensified aerial surveillance and attacks along the road section are strategic military operations aimed at cutting supply lines to the Arakan Army amid ongoing fighting in Kyaukphyu.

"The junta's ground troops near the Taung Maw Gyi naval station are surrendering. Therefore, it appears they are attempting to use their naval and air superiority to cut off both land and water transport routes," a Ramree resident familiar with the situation on the ground said.

In addition to monitoring and attacking the Ramree-Taungup road section, junta airstrikes are also threatening three villages near Mt. Peinne on the edge of the Wunbaik Mangrove Forest.

Although daily clashes continue near the Taung Maw Gyi naval station in Kyaukphyu Township, with the junta heavily relying on air and naval forces, its ground columns are facing severe setbacks, including retreats and surrenders.