Weekly Highlights from Arakan (May 18 to 24, 2026)

By Admin 25 May 2026

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.

Each week, we round up key political, military, social, and humanitarian developments across Arakan State - connecting the dots between events and offering analysis to help audiences see the bigger picture.

This series is designed for readers and viewers seeking a concise yet comprehensive understanding of how ongoing conflict, governance shifts, and community issues continue to shape lives across Arakan.

Regime airstrikes injure 11 civilians, destroy over 100 homes across Arakan State

Eleven civilians, including a Buddhist monk and a child, were injured and more than 100 homes were destroyed after the regime carried out airstrikes and drone attacks on Gwa, Ramree, and Kyaukphyu townships in Arakan State over the past three days.

On May 21, the regime launched airstrikes on Kyeintali Town in Gwa Township, injuring nine civilians.

At around 9 a.m., two junta jet fighters reportedly carried out about 10 bombing attacks on the town, with explosions striking Ward No. 2. Two residential houses in the ward were also damaged in the attack.

Similarly, on May 20, a regime drone strike targeted a monastery in Yanthitgyi (Lower) Village in Ramree Township, injuring a child and a Buddhist monk. The attack occurred at around 11 a.m. while monks were having their morning meal.

In Kyaukphyu Township, regime aircraft carried out bombing attacks on Sanae Town on May 19, destroying at least 100 homes in fires. According to local residents, the entire Shwe Hintha Ward was burned down following the air raid.

Fighting remains intense between regime forces and the Arakan Army in Sittwe and Kyaukphyu townships, where the military still retains partial control.

At the same time, the regime has intensified aerial attacks on Arakan Army-controlled areas across Arakan State, with civilian towns and villages increasingly coming under attack.

Military tensions escalate in Sittwe as Myanmar Navy boosts reinforcements

Military tension is reportedly high between the regime and the Arakan Army (AA) on the Sittwe battlefield as Myanmar’s military regime has recently reinforced its forces from Kyaukphyu to Sittwe using warships.

In recent days, two Myanmar Navy warships docked in Sittwe and reinforced military forces, while naval movements near areas controlled by the Arakan Army, drone surveillance, and airstrikes have also been reported.

In Sittwe, the regime has tightened security and is reportedly carrying out daily inspections of homes under the pretext of checking overnight guest lists.

Since Sittwe is the only remaining city in northern Arakan State yet to be captured by the Arakan Army, observers believe clashes could intensify due to the regime’s reinforcements and the military situation of the Arakan Army.

Analysts also believe that the Arakan Army could launch efforts to capture Sittwe during the upcoming monsoon season amid the ongoing military buildup by both sides.

Arakan Army offensive pushes regime forces to retreat toward Taung Maw Gyi naval station

Regime forces advancing near Sanae Town in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, have reportedly suffered heavy casualties from Arakan Army (AA) attacks, forcing them to retreat toward the Taung Maw Gyi naval station.

Since May 10, regime forces have deployed naval support and launched an offensive with at least two columns toward areas near Sanae Town, which is under Arakan Army control. Although they initially managed to establish limited footholds, they are now gradually withdrawing due to Arakan Army counter-offensives.

Since May 15, the Arakan Army has encircled and blockaded a hilltop camp near Awa Taung Village where regime forces had taken position, while also intercepting reinforcement columns attempting to reach the area.

Awa Taung Village lies between the Taung Maw Gyi naval station and Sanae Town, about two miles from the naval base in a straight line.

At present, regime forces have reportedly been pushed back to within just over one mile of the Taung Maw Gyi naval station, while the Arakan Army continues shelling the base with heavy weapons.

Clashes between regime forces and the Arakan Army have continued within a 10-mile radius north of Sanae Town since February 2024.

The regime is now attempting to push toward Sanae Town using the Taung Maw Gyi naval station as a staging point. Sanae Town lies more than 30 miles south of Kyaukphyu Town.

Junta navy shelling kills elderly woman, injures six civilians in Kyaukphyu

A local woman was killed and six civilians, including a Buddhist monk, were injured after a junta navy warship shelled villages in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, where fighting between regime forces and the Arakan Army is intensifying.

During the night of May 17, a regime navy warship positioned at sea near Zinchaung Village continuously fired heavy artillery at villages where civilians reside.

In Kyaukphyu, where clashes remain intense, the regime is reportedly carrying out daily attacks on civilian villages using heavy weapons, small arms, kamikaze drones, and airstrikes, with civilian casualties continuing to rise.

Fighting has intensified near Thaingchaung and Zaichaung villages, about 10 miles south of Kyaukphyu Town, as well as around Taung Maw Oo naval station and Sane Town.

As the regime reinforces its naval and air power while defending its positions, military analysts said the fighting in Kyaukphyu could escalate further.

Arakanese welcome upcoming launch of Arakan Lottery

The Central Customs and Taxation Department under the United League of Arakan (ULA) will officially launch and begin selling the “Arakan Lottery” next month in areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA).

According to the announcement, lottery tickets will go on sale starting July 1 for citizens wishing to participate, with each ticket priced at K1,000. Lottery drawings will be held once every month.

A total of 39 prizes will be awarded, including a first prize of K50 million, a second prize of K30 million, as well as prizes worth K10 million, K4 million, K2 million and K1 million.

The ULA stated that 50 percent of the revenue generated from ticket sales will be distributed as prize money, while the remaining 50 percent will be allocated to development projects in Arakan State, including road and bridge construction, education and healthcare.

Lottery drawings will be held on the first day of every month at the Arakan Lottery Branch under the Central Customs and Taxation Department, and the events will also be broadcast online and through other media platforms.

The six-digit lottery tickets will be available for purchase at sales shops operated by nearby Arakan Lottery branches across Arakan State, as well as at Central Customs and Taxation Department offices in relevant districts and townships.

Two men severely injured in landmine explosions in Arakan State

A local man lost toes on his right foot after stepping on a landmine in 4th-Mile Village, Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, on May 18.

The injured man has been identified as 46-year-old U Khin Maung Naing from Cheetarparar Village in Maungdaw Township, and he is currently undergoing emergency medical treatment.

The incident occurred while he was clearing grass near an area where agricultural seeds were stored in 4th-Mile Village, where he accidentally stepped on a landmine. Junta troops had previously set up a camp at that location.

A local man lost a leg and sustained severe injuries after stepping on a landmine in Myebon Township, Arakan State, on May 18, locals said.

The injured man is 40-year-old U Maung Win Hlaing from Moungchaung Village, Myebon Township. He stepped on the landmine at around 3 p.m. on May 18 while going to cut bamboo in a forest near Yaw Creek Bridge.

Local residents said regime troops previously camped and stationed near the bridge during earlier periods of fighting.

Although the Arakan Army is carrying out landmine clearance operations in many townships and conducting awareness campaigns about the dangers of landmines and explosive remnants of war, many locals who rely on forests and mountains for their livelihoods continue to suffer injuries and deaths caused by landmines and unexploded ordnance.