Junta warships increase presence off Ramree coast

By Admin 18 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

18 April 2026, Ramree

Junta warships have increased their movements along the coast of Ramree Township in Arakan State, an area controlled by the Arakan Army.

Local residents said the vessels have been approaching and anchoring near the shore in recent days.

Although junta warships had withdrawn toward the open sea from Ramree Township since late 2024, they began reappearing in areas close to the beach starting in the second week of April.

A local man in Kyauknimaw Village said, “After the Arakan Army captured Ramree, no junta warships were seen near the shore. Danger was previously only present for boats traveling out to the open sea for fishing. Now, the arrival of two Myanmar Navy vessels near the shore has caused concern for both fishermen and villagers.”

Since April 11, two Myanmar Navy vessels have been anchored near Kyauknimaw Village, causing difficulties for fishermen and maritime travelers. The presence of these ships has also instilled fear among local villagers.

On April 12, the two warships seized a fishing boat from Kyauknimaw Village and looted fish and fishing gear. The junta soldiers reportedly threatened to shoot the fishermen if they were encountered again before releasing them.

According to investigations by DMG, at least six junta warships have been observed operating during April in the waters between Ramree and Manaung, Ramree and Taungup, and the sea bordering Ramree and Kyaukphyu.

A local man in Zeetaw Village in Ramree Township said, “Junta warships were previously only seen on the Manaung side. Now they have approached so closely that they are clearly visible. As this is not normal like before, there are significant concerns.”

Ramree Island, which comprises Ramree and Kyaukphyu townships, is separated by a strait only about 20 miles wide from Manaung Island, which remains under regime control. It is also more than 40 miles away from Kyaukphyu, where fighting is currently taking place.

Residents said the approach of warships toward Ramree Township appears intended to exert military pressure and disrupt the Arakan Army’s offensive operations toward Kyaukphyu.

A local man in Laytaung Town in Ramree Township said the regime may be attempting to display force as if preparing for a landing in Ramree to divert the Arakan Army’s attention from Kyaukphyu. He also suggested that the ships may be approaching the shore with the intent to fire on civilians.

Having lost inland territories in Arakan State, the regime has expanded its maritime presence by sending at least 30 warships from Hainggyi Island in Ayeyarwady Region along the Arakan coast since the beginning of this year.

These warships mainly rely on naval bases in Manaung, Kyaukphyu, and Sittwe as their strongholds. They are deployed across southern Arakan State in Gwa, Thandwe, Manaung, and Kyaukphyu, as well as up to the mouth of the Naf River on the Bangladesh border in northern Arakan State.

Furthermore, the regime is using its naval forces to reinforce troops, provide artillery support for inland battles, and block the entry of goods and medicine into areas controlled by the Arakan Army.