Arakan Army blocks junta offensive on key route into Arakan State

By Admin 23 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

23 September 2026, Mindon, Magway Region

The Arakan Army intercepted and repelled a junta offensive advancing from the Thaphanyaung area in Mindon Township, Magway Region, toward the Maei mountain pass route leading into Arakan State, forcing junta troops to retreat.

In recent days, intense clashes have raged between the military regime and the Arakan Army near Kankyoegyi Village and the Point 948 hilltop camp in Mindon Township.

Military sources reported that the junta deployed large forces from western Mindon in an effort to break into Arakan State. The Arakan Army intercepted and blocked the junta column, leading to nearly 10 days of heavy fighting.

"The military advanced with significant troop numbers to launch a major offensive," a local ground source said. "However, after suffering heavy casualties, junta forces were forced to pull back."

On September 22, the Arakan Army issued a statement confirming the capture of junta weapons, ammunition, military gear, and several bodies left behind on the battlefield.

Junta aircraft, including jet fighters and Y-12 aircraft, as well as paramotors, continue to carry out airstrikes around the combat zone near Thaphanyaung and Kankyoegyi villages.

"An entire junta battalion suffered heavy losses and retreated," a ground military source said. "Yet, the sounds of ongoing airstrikes targeting the former battlegrounds can still be heard."

The military regime has attempted multiple avenues to break into Arakan State, making the Mindon-Maei axis a critical frontline where junta forces launched offensive operations starting September 10.

To force an entry into Arakan State, the military regime conducts daily offensives backed by heavy artillery and air support along the Magway-Arakan and Ayeyarwady-Arakan borders.