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.

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.