Junta pushes toward Gwa with naval and air Attacks

By Admin 12 Dec 2025

DMG Newsroom

12 December 2025, Gwa

The Myanmar military regime is attempting to advance on Gwa Township, Arakan State — under the control of the Arakan Army (AA) — by launching coordinated attacks from the sea and air.

Jet fighters bombed the Kamchae-U seashore in Gwa Township at around 10 a.m. on December 11. Before the airstrike, locals said Myanmar Navy warships sailing along the coast approached the beach and fired more than 30 to 40 artillery rounds.

“Yesterday, Myanmar Navy warships fired more than 30 to 40 rounds of artillery, and a junta jet fighter flew over and dropped bombs four times. It exploded near the shore of Gwa town, but no one was hurt,” said a Gwa resident.

Three Myanmar Navy warships are reportedly patrolling near Gwa Beach, firing heavy weapons around the area in what residents view as a show of force and an attempt to clear the coastline.

Gwa residents are increasingly worried as the regime steps up shelling from both the air and sea.

“Three Myanmar Navy warships are preparing to fire at positions close to the shore. Their fire often lands on the hillsides. People are hiding in bunkers after hearing gunfire and the sound of planes. The military regime is also preparing to attack Gwa,” another resident said.

Military observers say the regime has intensified ground, naval and air operations this month as it prepares a broader offensive in the southern Arakan State townships of Ann, Taungup, Thandwe and Gwa.

The regime is reportedly pushing to reinforce its forces by advancing into Nat Yay Kan in Ngaphe Township; into Taungup Township near the Myanmar military’s No. 16 weapon factory in Padaung Township; and into Bawmi and Magyizin villages in Gwa Township, near the Arakan–Ayeyarwady border.

“The military regime is making serious efforts to launch an offensive against the four targeted towns in Arakan State in order to hold the second phase of the elections in January. This military activity is particularly noticeable in Gwa and Taungup,” said a military observer in Arakan State.

The AA seized Gwa Township, the southernmost township of Arakan State, in December 2024, and has since established administrative and law enforcement mechanisms there.

The military regime also attacked Mrauk-U Hospital with two 500-pound bombs on December 10, Human Rights Day, killing 33 civilians and injuring about 80. It additionally bombed Ngalonesu Village in Kyaukphyu Township on December 11, killing eight locals and injuring at least 10.

For three consecutive days, the regime has bombed Mrauk-U, Gwa and Kyaukphyu townships, with civilian casualties continuing to rise.