Junta targets civilian areas as Arakan Army counteroffensive inflicts heavy losses near Nat Yay Kan

By Admin 11 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

11 August 2026, Ngaphe, Magway Region

The military junta, suffering heavy casualties in clashes near the Nat Yay Kan tactical hilltop base, the last remaining junta stronghold on the Arakan mountain range, has resorted to airstrikes on civilian-populated areas in an attempt to ease pressure from an Arakan Army counteroffensive.

Military vehicles carrying reinforcements to Nat Yay Kan have come under attack since late July, prompting the regime to conduct near-daily airstrikes around the strategic outpost, according to a military source.

"The junta launches air raids near Nat Yay Kan almost daily. On August 8, the regime conducted heavy bombing runs using multiple aircraft. As the regime cannot send ground reinforcements and its advancing columns are suffering heavy casualties, it is using air raids to divert attention," the source said.

The regime has also used air support to bomb Ann, an Arakan Army rear area, in an attempt to ease battlefield pressure.

Following intensive airstrikes near Nat Yay Kan on August 8, a junta jet fighter bombed Talaitaung Village in Ann Township, killing two people and injuring three others.

Facing losses on the ground, the military junta has deliberately targeted civilian-populated areas with airstrikes to exert pressure on the Arakan Army.

"Because their attempts to reinforce Nat Yay Kan failed and their ground columns suffered heavy losses, they turned to targeting civilian areas around Ann. The airstrike on Talaitaung Village specifically targeted civilians. Local residents now have to remain on high alert for air attacks," a male resident of Ann said.

Residents of Ann Township said they remain fearful of air attacks, noting that the military junta frequently conducts aerial reconnaissance missions over the area.

The Arakan Army took full control of Ann Township, home to the junta's Western Command headquarters, in December 2024, but the regime continues to launch frequent airstrikes on the area.

The regime is defending Nat Yay Kan with rotating forces drawn from Light Infantry Divisions 77 and 99, Military Operations Commands 10, 14 and 17, as well as militia forces.