Junta warship activity intensifies off Pauktaw coast

By Admin 12 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

12 January 2026, Pauktaw

As fighting intensifies in Sittwe, Myanmar Navy warships have increased their presence in the Kaladan River estuary, with residents reporting heightened activity near the coast of Pauktaw Township.

Local people say junta warships have been moving closer to shore near Ashae Phayonekar Island and Alel Phayonekar Island in Pauktaw Township.

"Junta warships are always seen near the islands. When I went out fishing, I was arrested by them. Some were threatened and later released. After that, no one dared to go fishing anymore," said a Pauktaw resident.

According to residents, warships have been approaching coastal villages and arresting fishermen from towns and villages near the sea.

At the end of 2025, three fishermen from Phadu village on Alel Phayonekar Island were arrested by a junta warship. One was later released, while the other two were sent to Kyaukphyu.

Due to fears of arrest by junta warships, locals no longer dare to fish far from shore. Although they continue fishing closer to the coast, residents say dwindling marine resources, including shrimp, have made livelihoods increasingly difficult.

"We don't dare to fish far away. We fish near the shore, but we don't get as much as before. There are fewer fish, and it has become even harder to make a living," another Pauktaw resident said.

Meanwhile, junta troops based in Sittwe have fired heavy weapons at villages in Pauktaw Township. Aerial bombardments have also been reported, resulting in civilian casualties.

Military observers say the junta's attempts to move warships closer to shore reflect an expansion of fighting linked to the Arakan Army's advancing fronts and may be aimed at testing military pressure.

"Recently, military tensions have been rising in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Magway. The regime's actions, including firing heavy weapons toward Pauktaw, are intended to weaken public support and test whether it can advance militarily by attacking coastal areas and threatening the Arakan Army," said a military analyst monitoring the situation in Arakan State.

The Arakan Army is currently carrying out offensive operations in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, along the Arakan-Magway border, the Arakan-Bago border and the Arakan-Ayeyarwady border.

After losing control of 14 out of 17 townships in Arakan State to the Arakan Army, the military regime has increasingly relied on naval firepower, while civilians continue to face arrest, torture and killings.