Regime, Arakan Army battle for control of Sittwe

By Admin 05 Jun 2026

DMG Newsroom

5 June 2026, Sittwe

Fierce fighting between regime forces and the Arakan Army (AA) has continued for more than a week near Sittwe, according to local residents and military sources.

The clashes have been marked by heavy artillery exchanges and frequent airstrikes carried out by the regime, sources said.

"We can still hear gunfire right now. The fighting appears to be intense and takes place every day. We also hear heavy artillery fire daily. It has been more than a week since we first started hearing these sounds," a local source said.

The latest round of fighting near Sittwe began on May 28 after the Arakan Army launched artillery attacks targeting the Shwe Mingan naval base, the Regional Operations Command, and several regime battalions based in the state capital.

In response, the regime has deployed reconnaissance drones over villages along the borders of Ponnagyun and Rathedaung townships near Sittwe, while also carrying out retaliatory airstrikes and artillery attacks.

As fighting intensifies near the city, residents have voiced growing concerns over their safety.

"Since artillery shells have landed near the town, people rarely go outside anymore. No one dares to attend festivals or gather in crowded places. Everyone is living in fear," a female resident of Sittwe said.

The regime has also expanded and reinforced defensive fencing from Strand Road to the ViewPoint Beach area, creating a fortified defensive line aimed at preventing the Arakan Army from entering the city.

Sittwe remains the only town in northern Arakan State under regime control. The latest escalation comes as the Arakan Army continues its offensive aimed at capturing the state capital.