Arakan Army (AA) Chief Maj-Gen Twan Mrat Naing stated in an exclusive interview with The Diplomat that political dialogue between the regime and the Arakan Army will remain difficult as long as the regime continues airstrikes and pressure against civilians in Arakan State.

Clashes are intensifying between regime forces and the Kachin Independence Army KIA in Lonekhin Village, Hpakant Township, Kachin State, according to local sources.

The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) has reported that press freedom in Myanmar is rapidly declining, with journalists facing multiple restrictions and oppression in their efforts to gather information.

Border trade between Arakan State and Bangladesh resumed on May 1, but local merchants say operations have yet to return to normal.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) says that although the regime has invited Ethnic Armed Organizations and People’s Defence Forces to engage in peace talks for a 100-day period from April 21 to July 31, 2026, it continues to commit war crimes and human rights violations.

Than Lwin Khet News, an exile media outlet, issued a statement on May 3 condemning sexual harassment and threats against one of its female ground reporters based in Arakan State.

The regime is constructing a permanent base in Kangyi Village on the road connecting Mindat in southern Chin State and Saw in Magway Region, while reinforcing the Kyaukhtu-based artillery regiment with personnel and weapons.

Continuous heavy rainfall in recent days has caused severe road damage along the India-Arakan trade route, leaving hundreds of cargo trucks stranded near the border.

Fierce fighting has broken out between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) and its allied forces near Pazi Village in Ngaphe Township, Magway Region, with the military carrying out attacks using air support.

Air ticket prices for flights between Manaung and Yangon have risen to more than twice the official rate, according to local residents.

The Chin People’s Union and Chin Province Army (CPU and CPA) say they have mobilized forces to defend Mindat, a town in southern Chin State, amid growing military pressure from the junta.

Child rights activists and civil society organizations are calling for urgent expansion of sexual awareness education to address the rising number of child rape cases in areas controlled by the Arakan Army in Arakan State.

Residents in Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State currently under regime control, report that junta officials are conducting surprise overnight guest list checks in crowded neighborhoods and public areas to carry out arrests and extort money.

The Myanmar military carried out airstrikes and heavy artillery attacks on April 29 targeting Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, and Rathedaung townships, which border regime-controlled Sittwe, according to local residents.

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Arakan State are facing severe difficulties after heavy rain and strong winds in recent days damaged their shelters, leaving many unable to carry out repairs.

Regime-appointed Chief Minister U Naing Oo has stated that plans are being implemented to create job opportunities for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and grassroots communities in Arakan State.

Prices of basic food and household commodities have sharply increased across Arakan State as Myanmar military blockades disrupt trade routes, while recent arrests of traders by the Arakan Army (AA) have further strained supply flows.

According to Ex-Regime Airforce (ERA), an air monitoring group, the military regime is conducting sustained air operations against townships in Arakan State using four key airbases, as part of efforts to exert pressure on local populations.

Youth in various townships in Yangon Region say they are facing growing insecurity as the regime increases arrests linked to military recruitment.