Regime-AA fighting escalates in Kyaukphyu

By Admin 18 Aug 2025

DMG Newsroom

18 August 2025, Kyaukphyu

Daily clashes between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA) in recent days have forced local people from three villages in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, to flee to safer locations.

The internally displaced people (IDPs) are from Minpyin, Kyaukpyauk and Yaynantaung villages, and thousands of local people are reportedly in need of assistance.

"Myanmar Navy vessels attack the villages with drones on a daily basis. We moved to safety as our villages are close to the scene of fighting. We are worried about our safety," said a local man from Minpyin Village who fled to an area controlled by the AA.

The displaced people said they fled because of heavy weapons fire from at least three Myanmar Navy ships moored offshore near some villages in Kyaukphyu Township. The displaced people from the three villages fled to Ramree, Myebon and Ann townships, which are held by the AA. But IDPs said there are still those who have not fled due to financial difficulties.

"If you flee to a liberated area, transportation charges cost at least K150,000 per person. There are those who have stayed in the villages because they don't have money. When we were in the village, the Myanmar Navy was firing at us, so we couldn't even offer lights to the Buddha Images," said a displaced woman.

According to April 2025 statistics from social assistance organisations, there are more than 40,000 displaced people in Kyaukphyu Township.

Due to the intensity of the recent fighting between the Myanmar military and the AA, the number of people fleeing has been rising daily.

"We brought nothing when we fled to safety. We are struggling to make ends meet. We have to sleep on tarpaulin sheets. We have yet to receive assistance," said an IDP from a village in Myebon Township.

Locals said that fighting is intense near Leikkhamaw, Kularbar, and Malakyun villages, and that the Myanmar military is attacking AA-held areas in Kyaukphyu Township with significant manpower and firepower. There are reports that the Myanmar military has retaken Malakyun and Leikkhamaw villages.

The AA has been fighting to capture Kyaukphyu, where several major Chinese projects are located, since February 2025. The AA has since captured around 10 outposts of the Myanmar military.

Locals say the Myanmar military has been conducting a massive counteroffensive against the AA in Kyaukphyu Township since early August, using tanks and drones in large numbers.