Clashes intensify in Sittwe as junta naval forces renew assault on AA-held island

By Admin 09 Oct 2026

DMG Newsroom

9 October 2026, Sittwe

Heavy clashes continue to escalate along the Kaladan River border shared by Sittwe, Ponnagyun, and Werathani townships as the military junta deploys major naval reinforcements for a renewed offensive against Ngapyi Island, which is controlled by the Arakan Army, according to local sources.

Since October 7, junta forces have attempted amphibious landings on Ngapyi Island in Werathani Township. However, intense counterstrikes involving artillery bombardment and drone attacks by the Arakan Army prevented troops from coming ashore, forcing junta warships to retreat.

Today, the military regime deployed additional naval reinforcements for a fresh amphibious assault, supported by continuous heavy artillery shelling from army battalions stationed in Sittwe, triggering fierce ground battles.

“Since last night, the sound of heavy artillery fire and aerial bombardments has been nonstop,” said a resident of Werathani Township. “Our houses were shaking from the explosions. Even right now, loud gunfire and shelling can still be heard clearly.”

Situated in the Kaladan River at the junction of Sittwe, Ponnagyun, and Werathani townships, Ngapyi Island holds critical strategic importance. The island lies approximately one mile east of the junta’s Shwe Min Gan Naval Base in Sittwe.

In their bid to capture the Arakan Army controlled island, junta forces attempted amphibious landings using warships under cover of intense air support and heavy artillery fire.

The military regime has deployed at least six warships from Shwe Min Gan Naval Base and is attempting repeated amphibious assaults to secure a foothold on Ngapyi Island.

Yesterday, one of the junta warships advancing toward Ngapyi Island was struck by Arakan Army heavy artillery, caught fire, and retreated to Shwe Min Gan Naval Base.

“According to military sources on the ground, one of the junta warships advancing toward Ngapyi Island was struck by Arakan Army artillery fire and forced to pull back,” said a source familiar with local military developments. “Locals reported that a second vessel was also hit, though thick smoke was visibly rising from at least one ship. Specific casualty details remain unconfirmed.”

In addition to targeting active combat zones, junta forces have maintained relentless artillery bombardment across Werathani Township, with shells landing in Anaukyel Village on Alel Phayonekar Island.

Local residents in Sittwe reported that artillery units from the Regional Operations Command, No. 12 Police Battalion, and other junta regiments stationed in Sittwe are continuously firing toward conflict zones.

“Junta police battalions in Sittwe are shelling heavily toward Ngapyi Island to provide fire support for their naval forces,” said another Werathani resident. “They are also shelling villages across Werathani Township, while jet fighters conduct continuous bombing runs. From last night until now, heavy artillery and small arms fire have been constantly heard.”

The sharp escalation in military operations near the state capital has heightened panic and anxiety among Sittwe residents.

On the evening of October 8, an artillery shell landed and exploded inside a forestry compound in front of Alodawpyae Monastery on Airport Road in Sittwe.

“Heavy artillery fire can be heard right inside Sittwe as well,” said a Sittwe resident. “It feels as though active fighting has reached the edge of the city. During the night, numerous drones and jet fighters circle overhead, accompanied by constant bomb detonations.”

On September 4, the military regime launched a major offensive designated Operation 4926 into Ponnagyun Township.

However, the Arakan Army mounted strategic defensive and counteroffensive maneuvers, breaking the junta’s momentum and capturing several key military outposts in Sittwe Township.

In response to those losses, the military regime is deploying fresh reinforcements in Sittwe in renewed attempts to launch amphibious operations toward Werathani Township.