Regime targets AA-held coastline after declaration of martial law

By Admin 04 Aug 2025

DMG Newsroom

4 August 2025, Thandwe

Myanmar's military regime has declared martial law in 63 townships across the country and has been ramping up its military presence in Arakan State, as well as launching attacks on areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA).

Myanmar Navy vessels fired heavy weapons toward Ngapali Beach in Thandwe Township, which is under AA control, destroying some houses on August 2.

At least two Myanmar Navy ships were first seen patrolling near Ngapali Beach in late July, and four tanks and three warships were also sent to Kyaukphyu, according to military sources.

Military observers believe that the regime's declaration of martial law in the 63 townships, including all 14 AA-controlled townships in Arakan State, likely presages a coordinated attempt to regain lost territory.

Given Arakan State's expansive coastal geography, analysts see the Myanmar military as likely to seek to play to its advantage at sea.

"Given the geographical location of Arakan State, it will be very difficult for the military regime to launch a [ground-based] counteroffensive," said a young Arakanese student studying political science in Thailand. "However, since the military regime now dominates the sea, it seems like it is planning something. We cannot believe that the military regime will not attack the coastal towns of Maungdaw, Thandwe, and Gwa with its naval force. I see this situation as a situation that we must monitor and be careful about."

The military regime has declared martial law in the 63 townships for 90 days, ahead of national elections it hopes to hold late this year or in early 2026.

Sources close to the AA say the Arakanese ethnic armed group is closely monitoring the military regime's maritime manoeuvres and is making preparations to prevent the retaking of territory under its control.

Captain Zin Yaw, a former junta military officer who joined the anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), said the regime is attempting to use air and sea power to prevent the AA from launching further ground attacks on the Ayeyarwady and Bago fronts.

"Although it is impossible for the military regime to control Thandwe before the election, it must be said that it is disrupting and destroying in accordance with military discipline," he added.

The AA has only Kyaukphyu, Sittwe, and Manaung townships left to occupy in Arakan State. Currently, there are clashes between the Myanmar military and the AA in Kyaukphyu Township, and military tensions between the two sides are running high in Sittwe Township.

Military and political analysts see the AA's goal of a junta-free Arakan State, once considered improbable, as increasingly likely within the year.