Locals in Thandwe, Gwa, and Ramree townships are struggling to make ends meet as Myanmar's military navy intensifies its presence in coastal waters, threatening their primary livelihood: fishing.

Fierce clashes have broken out between the Myanmar military and a coalition force led by the Arakan Army (AA) near the regime's weapons factory No. 16 (KaPaSa 16) and Point 666 in Padaung Township, Bago Region.

The Mro National Development Party (MNDP) said Myanmar's upcoming military-run elections, held under a new voting system, could significantly increase the participation of ethnic groups.

A traditional cultural exchange seminar was held in Arakan State's Maungdaw Township in the first week of November, organised by the Mro Youth Union (MYU) and an ethnic organising group.

Myanmar's military regime has announced that the first phase of its planned election will be held on December 28, 2025, in 102 townships nationwide, including three in Arakan State: Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Manaung.

The military regime is reportedly preparing a counter-offensive in Chin State, and the Arakan Army (AA) and Chin Brotherhood (CB) are coordinating to defend against such an operation.

In an era when daily news from Arakan is often fragmented and fast-changing, DMG's Weekly Highlights of Arakan brings clarity, depth, and context to the stories that matter most.

A report by the BNI-Myanmar Peace Monitor suggests that the recent ceasefire between the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) - both members of the Three Brotherhood Alliance - and the Myanmar military regime could lead to negotiations with the Arakan Army (AA) under pressure from China.

Myanmar's military regime has announced plans to mark the 51st anniversary of Arakan State Day on a grand scale in Sittwe on December 15.

Myanmar's military regime, which has lost control of 14 townships in Arakan State to the Arakan Army (AA), is reportedly preparing a counteroffensive to defend remaining towns and regain lost territory, according to locals and military observers.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has acknowledged that its troops opened fire on Arakan Army (AA) fighters along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, saying they returned fire after being attacked first.

Five civilians were killed and nine injured in junta air and artillery attacks on three villages in Ponnagyun Township, Arakan State, on November 7, local residents said.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has urged the Karen people to "face the truth" and work for peace and stability in Kayin State, saying he was saddened by the ongoing conflict and suffering in some areas of the state.

Displaced women who are heads of households say their families are facing a daily worsening of livelihoods due to a lack of jobs and rising prices in Arakan State, where the military conflict continues.

Myanmar's military regime carried out 124 airstrikes across the country in October, with nighttime attacks killing more civilians than daytime strikes, according to the Myanmar Defense and Security Institute (MDSI).

"Winter crops cannot withstand much rain. Continuous rainfall floods and damages the plants, which are delicate. Farmers here are losing a lot," said a female farmer in Pauktaw Village, Kyauktaw Township.

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.

Many internally displaced people (IDPs) in Arakan State are unable to access healthcare due to financial difficulties, according to social workers.

In an era when daily news from Arakan is often fragmented and fast-changing, DMG's Weekly Highlights of Arakan brings clarity, depth, and context to the stories that matter most.