Junta moves to tighten control of key waterway near besieged naval station in Kyaukphyu

By Admin 09 Jun 2026

DMG Newsroom

9 June 2026, Kyaukphyu

Myanmar military regime forces are seeking to tighten control over the Kyaukphyu-Ramree waterway near the besieged Taung Maw Gyi naval station, with troops reportedly opening fire on civilian vessels using the route, local sources said.

On June 7, a junta navy speed boat opened fire with a machine gun on a civilian motorboat travelling from Ramree Township near Minkyaung Creek, injuring two men on board.

"The targeted boat belonged to traders from Ann Township and was transporting livestock," a Kyaukphyu resident told DMG. "Junta warships have recently increased the deployment of speed boats in the Thanzit River. Anyone travelling toward the Ramree side must exercise extreme caution."

Previously, junta naval movements were largely limited to the area surrounding the Taung Maw Gyi naval station in the middle of the Thanzit River.

However, regime forces have expanded patrol operations using small speed boats in the outer sections of the river and around the mouth of Minkyaung Creek on the border of Ramree Township.

The waterway has been under the operational control of the Arakan Army (AA) since resistance forces captured Ramree Town earlier this year. Local residents said junta naval vessels attempting to enter the area have frequently come under attack.

"During the battle for Ramree, the Arakan Army successfully repelled approaching junta warships, forcing the regime to withdraw from the waterway for a period," another resident said.

Military observers believe the regime's renewed naval operations are aimed at preventing the Arakan Army from launching an assault on the Taung Maw Gyi naval station, which is currently under siege.

"The Taung Maw Gyi naval station is completely cut off by the Arakan Army on land," a Ramree resident said. "The waterway is the regime's only remaining supply route and defensive lifeline. They are reinforcing security on the river because they fear an Arakan Army assault from the water."

The shipping route is a key transportation corridor linking Ramree, Kyaukphyu, Ann and Myebon townships. Local traders said the junta's restrictions have effectively disrupted travel and the transport of goods in the area.

Fighting around the Taung Maw Gyi naval station has intensified over the past month, with the Arakan Army reportedly capturing several forward defensive positions within a one-mile radius of the base.

Residents also reported that junta forces have stepped up air and artillery attacks using fighter jets, drones, paramotors and naval weapons against nearby villages, resulting in civilian casualties.