Regime steps up offensive toward Arakan State via Ayeyarwady coastal route

By Admin 04 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

4 February 2026, Gwa

The Myanmar military regime is stepping up efforts to enter Arakan State by launching a large-scale offensive along the Ayeyarwady–Arakan coastal road toward Gwa Township, currently under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), according to military sources.

The regime is attempting to advance on Gwa via Bawmi Village in Pathein Township, Ayeyarwady Region, deploying armoured vehicles alongside large numbers of ground troops.

“The military can no longer enter Arakan State through Ngathainggyoung, so it is intensifying its offensive via the Bawmi–Makyeesin–Kyaukchon coastal route. Three columns, including armoured units, have been formed to push forward from Bawmi and Makyeesin villages, resulting in fierce clashes,” a source familiar with the military situation said.

The regime is also struggling to regain control of the Pathein–Monywa road section in Laymyethna Township, while fighting has also been reported in Thabaung Township.

The offensive includes troops from battalions under the Pathein-based Southwest Command, pro-junta militias, and several units from the Coastal Region Command, with total manpower estimated in the thousands.

“In Laymyethna, regime forces are attacking villages along the Pathein–Monywa road currently held by revolutionary forces. Intense fighting is also taking place in Thabaung Township as columns advance along the Thabaung–Makyeesin road,” a military source in Ayeyarwady Region said.

“Although all three columns are attempting ground offensives, they are suffering heavy casualties and being forced to retreat. Conscripts are being deployed on the front lines, effectively serving as cannon fodder. These conscripts have become a key human resource for the regime’s survival,” the source added.

During the clashes, junta forces have coordinated attacks around Thabaunglay, Thaephyu and Kyargaung villages along the Bawmi–Makyeesin route. Military sources said the regime has also merged units from Kyonepyaw and Ingapu townships to reinforce operations on the Laymyethna front.

Military observers said the regime is intensifying its Ayeyarwady front offensive due to a lack of naval fire support along the Magway and Bago routes, where it is also attempting to regain lost territory in Arakan State.

“The regime appears eager to reclaim at least a few towns in Arakan State to save face, similar to its objectives in northern Shan State. This is why it is pushing from Magway, Bago and Ayeyarwady. In Magway and Bago, the lack of naval support puts the military at a disadvantage. Ayeyarwady’s narrow coastal geography, however, allows for effective naval fire support, which is likely why it is launching coordinated land, sea and air operations from this direction,” a military observer in Arakan State said.

The Arakan Army, in coordination with local People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), has been carrying out joint operations in Yekyi, Laymyethna, Ingapu, Thabaung and Pathein townships in Ayeyarwady Region.

The allied forces have reportedly seized at least 10 military outposts and currently control sections of the Pathein–Monywa road.

Meanwhile, the military regime continues attempts to advance from Magway, Bago and Ayeyarwady regions while reinforcing its naval presence along the Arakan coast.