Parents in areas controlled by the Arakan Army in Arakan State are expressing growing concern over the health of children who remain unvaccinated, warning that many are already suffering from frequent illnesses and health complications.

More than 3,700 internally displaced persons in Thandwe Township, Arakan State, who are currently sheltering in forests and mountainous areas, are in urgent need of assistance to secure safe housing, according to aid workers.

Despite its recent invitation for peace talks with ethnic armed organizations and People’s Defence Forces, the regime has continued conducting sustained airstrikes using jet squadrons, marking a clear escalation in its aerial warfare campaign.

Regime forces are reportedly deploying large reinforcements to Kyaukphyu Township, where active fighting continues, and have stationed troops around several battalions and military headquarters.

Displaced people in Arakan State are calling for urgent support as livelihood hardships and limited income make it increasingly difficult to fund their children’s education.

People in Arakan State, currently under a trade blockade, are facing severe hardship due to soaring commodity prices, with internally displaced persons (IDPs) among the worst affected.

As the school season approaches, textbook prices in townships controlled by the Arakan Army in Arakan State have risen sharply, creating additional challenges for children from displaced families and low-income households.

Military sources report that Lt-Gen Naing Naing Oo has been appointed commander of Bureau of Special Operations No. 3 (BSO-3), overseeing both the Western and Southwestern Commands to coordinate operations against the Arakan Army (AA) in Arakan State and Ayeyarwady Region.

Residents in areas controlled by the Arakan Army are facing a worsening healthcare crisis due to a severe shortage of doctors, compounded by ongoing trade blockades and economic restrictions imposed by the regime.

Fighting between regime forces and a coalition force led by the Arakan Army has intensified in recent days in Laymyethna Township, Ayeyarwady Region, with the military carrying out heavy airstrikes.

The meeting was attended by the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, H.E. Mr. Abhay Thakur, along with Colonel Jaswinder Singh Gill, Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, and other officials.

Local residents report that the Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) under the United League of Arakan has yet to apprehend a suspect in a child rape case that occurred nearly two months ago in Pauktaw Township, Arakan State, an area under the control of the Arakan Army.

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.