Regime launches major offensive on AA-controlled hilltop base in Kyaukphyu

By Admin 05 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

5 November 2025, Kyaukphyu

Myanmar's military regime is mounting a large-scale offensive with hundreds of troops against a junta hilltop base controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) near Thaingchaung Village in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, with fighting intensifying, according to military sources.

The regime has conducted a naval, air, and drone campaign for over 10 days to retake the hilltop base and has now launched a full-scale ground assault.

"The military regime has been trying to retake the junta base since 20 October. They have been attacking the Arakan Army with about 300 troops over the past few days. Fighting has been ongoing for around five days," a military source said.

The junta base on Mt. Thaingchaung is about 14 miles from Kyaukphyu and rises roughly 1,000 feet. Nearby Mt. Doe Tan, where the No. 32 police battalion is stationed, is about 200 feet high and five miles from the hilltop base, making the location strategically significant.

The Arakan Army's control of the base threatens the No. 32 police battalion and Kyaukphyu town, prompting the military regime to intensify its offensive.

"The regime must retake that hill to prevent attacks on the police battalion. Recently, they have regained control of several areas and appear to be planning a full-scale operation there," said a local source familiar with the situation on the ground.

The Arakan Army has been active in Kyaukphyu for about nine months, capturing and retreating from various locations, with clashes continuing to escalate.

The AA previously seized areas around Chinese projects in Kyaukphyu Township, roughly six miles from the island town, but has now retreated to positions about 14 miles from Kyaukphyu.

"It's possible China requested the Arakan Army to withdraw to avoid fighting near its projects, or the AA may be repositioning due to military constraints," a local resident said.

The latest fighting in Arakan State, which began on 13 November 2023, has persisted for nearly two years. Currently, the AA controls 14 townships, excluding the capitals Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung.

Among the members of the Three Brotherhood Alliance that launched "Operation 1027," the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army have ceased hostilities, leaving only the Arakan Army engaged against the military regime.

With fighting across northern Shan largely concluded, the regime is now escalating its offensive with extensive ground, air, and naval operations to reclaim territory from the AA.