Regime reinforces troops in Magway and Chin areas bordering Arakan State

By Admin 23 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

May 2026, Taungup

The regime is continuing to reinforce its troops in parts of Magway Region and southern Chin State bordering Arakan State, prompting local resistance groups to restrict civilian travel in several townships.

On May 22, a junta military column of more than 1,000 troops that departed from Weapons Factory No. 12 in Thayet Township arrived in Mindon Town, which borders Taungup Township in Arakan State.

The regime is also launching a large-scale offensive into Kanpetlet Township in southern Chin State through Saw Township in Magway Region, where clashes are ongoing.

Military observers said the regime is reinforcing its presence in areas bordering Arakan State after unsuccessful offensives in Bago and Ayeyarwady regions, and is now attempting to apply military pressure from multiple fronts.

“Reinforcing troops in Magway Region bordering Arakan State and launching offensives in southern Chin State are part of the regime’s efforts to threaten and launch operations into Arakan State. After failing to achieve its objectives in Bago and Ayeyarwady regions, the regime changed its strategy and is now attempting to advance through Magway Region and Chin State,” a military observer said.

The regime is reportedly moving thousands of troops from Light Infantry Divisions 55, 88, 99 and 101 toward Artillery Battalion No. 368 in Kyaukhtu Town through Saw Township in Magway Region, before launching further offensives into southern Chin State.

The Yaw Army stated that daily clashes are taking place as the Yaw Army (YA) and allied resistance forces intercept regime columns advancing along the Pauk-Tabayin-Kyaukhtu road section in Magway Region.

Another military observer in Arakan State said: “Since military chief Ye Win Oo assumed power, there have been clear signs of preparations for military operations targeting Arakan State. The regime appears determined to find entry points by any means possible. They are tightening control over key trade routes, including the Saw and Mindon roads. Therefore, the military situation in Arakan State could become increasingly tense in the near future.”

Local anti-regime groups have warned civilians not to travel along road sections in Mindon and Saw townships, where military operations are intensifying.

The regime has also tightened restrictions on routes transporting goods from mainland Myanmar into Arakan State while continuing troop reinforcements in Magway Region.

Since the appointment of military chief Ye Win Oo, the junta has recaptured some territories previously controlled by resistance forces in Chin and Kayin states, as well as Tanintharyi and Mandalay regions, raising concerns that the regime may further intensify its offensives.

Among territories controlled by resistance forces nationwide, Arakan State, under the control of the Arakan Army, remains one of the few areas where the regime has yet to retake territory.