Weekly Highlights from Arakan (March 30 to April 5, 2026)

By Admin 06 Apr 2026

In an era when daily news from Arakan is often fragmented and fast-changing, DMG's Weekly Highlights of Arakan brings clarity, depth, and context to the stories that matter most.

Each week, we round up key political, military, social, and humanitarian developments across Arakan State - connecting the dots between events and offering analysis to help audiences see the bigger picture.

This series is designed for readers and viewers seeking a concise yet comprehensive understanding of how ongoing conflict, governance shifts, and community issues continue to shape lives across Arakan.

Arakan Army condemns Thandwe airstrikes as first war crime under new Myanmar military chief

According to the Arakan Army, the regime launched coordinated airstrikes in areas under its control in Arakan State using multiple aircraft, resulting in civilian casualties.

The Arakan Army said the incident occurred just two days after General Ye Win Oo was appointed Commander in Chief of the Defence Services on March 30, with jet fighters and warships carrying out a simultaneous assault.

Four jet fighters were used in the attack, which the Arakan Army described as the first case of an entire family being killed in a war crime under the new military leadership.

Between 11:11 AM and 11:45 AM on April 1, four jet fighters and warships conducted a coordinated strike near Light Infantry Battalion No 55 in Thandwe Township.

An entire family of four, including two children who were sheltering from the conflict, was killed instantly. Two other children and a pregnant woman were also injured.

Clashes intensify in Sittwe as artillery exchanges and airstrikes escalate

Fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army has escalated in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, since the last week of March, according to military sources.

The clashes have not yet developed into a large-scale ground offensive but are marked by ongoing exchanges of heavy artillery fire, with the Myanmar military also using airstrikes and drones.

Alongside the fighting, the regime has increased aerial attacks in areas bordering Sittwe Township, including Ponnagyun and Rathedaung.

On March 27 and 28, airstrikes targeted several villages in Rathedaung as well as areas such as Mosel Island and Wahbo on the border between Ponnagyun and Sittwe.

As fighting continues near Sittwe, the regime has tightened security in the city. Local residents say they are struggling to maintain their livelihoods amid the sound of heavy artillery.

A large number of residents remain in Sittwe, where daily wage workers are facing hardship due to the regime-imposed blockade.

DLEPS cracks down on fake doctors and unlicensed clinics in Arakan State

The Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) is inspecting and exposing fake doctors and unlicensed pharmacies providing illegal medical treatments in townships controlled by the Arakan Army.

According to a DLEPS statement released on April 2, officials identified and inspected U Maung Than Oo, who opened a clinic named Nyein in Bawun Ward of Pauktaw Town, and U Myat Min Thu, who opened a clinic named Shwe Nadi in Thazi Village of Kyauktaw Township.

On April 2, DLEPS, in collaboration with Township Health Departments and other relevant authorities, conducted field inspections and confirmed the reports, resulting in the immediate closure of these illegally opened clinics.

The statement noted that the individuals were made to sign a bond of agreement to prevent such actions in the future. Effective action will be taken according to existing laws if the commitment is breached.

Since the beginning of this year, the Food and Drug Administration under the Health Department has announced that medicine importers, sellers, and practitioners in areas controlled by the Arakan Army must apply for medicine sales and import licenses.

Local pharmacies, practitioners, and those compounding medicines are required to obtain medicine sales licenses, import recommendations, and registration cards.

According to health officials, the purpose of issuing medicine licenses is to eliminate illegal medicines and quack treatments in the region.

Ponnagyun IDPs suffer severe water shortages

Rising summer temperatures have caused wells and ponds in Ponnagyun Township, Arakan State, to dry up, leading to acute water shortages and creating serious difficulties for local residents.

Ponnagyun Township, which hosts a large number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), is among the hardest hit, with many people struggling to access sufficient clean water for daily use.

According to social aid groups, the situation has worsened to the point where residents are now forced to collect water from abandoned wells that were previously left unused.

Health concerns are also increasing, as the use of unsafe water sources may lead to diseases such as diarrhea and skin infections.

Due to the shortage, available drinking water must be used sparingly, adding further hardship for displaced communities.

Local social aid organizations are reportedly working together to carry out emergency relief efforts to address the water shortage in Ponnagyun Township.

Water scarcity is a recurring issue in Ponnagyun Township, with residents facing similar challenges every year during the summer season.

Arakan Army returns seized properties to original owners after appeals

The Arakan Army has returned some houses previously sealed off in its controlled areas of Arakan State to their original owners, according to its spokesperson.

U Khaing Thukha said the properties were handed back after owners submitted appeals with complete information and evidence proving their innocence.

In its controlled areas, the Arakan Army has mainly sealed off houses and buildings linked to the regime.

On February 25, the Arakan Army sealed off the home of U Tin Hla, the junta-appointed Arakan State Minister of Chin Ethnic Affairs, in Myebon.

U Khaing Thukha added that owners who believe they are innocent can apply for an appeal with supporting evidence to the United League of Arakan.

In Buthidaung, at least 10 houses and buildings linked to the regime and Muslim armed leaders, including groups such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army and Rohingya Solidarity Organization, are reportedly sealed off.

Sources close to the Arakan Army said that in Maungdaw, at least 40 buildings and properties associated with the regime and Muslim armed groups have been seized and sealed off.

In other townships, properties belonging to regime associates remain sealed off, including assets of businessman U Kyauk Taung in Taungup, as well as hotels and businesses linked to military generals at Ngapali Beach in Thandwe Township.

The United League of Arakan has stated that assets belonging to individuals or organizations opposing it will be seized as government property.

It also warned that anyone found trespassing, trading, or residing in sealed properties will face legal action.

ULA allows limited sale of foreign alcohol during Thingyan period

The United League of Arakan (ULA) has authorized the sale and consumption of foreign manufactured alcoholic beverages for a limited period, excluding alcohol and beer produced by the regime.

According to a statement, the ULA has permitted the importation, distribution and possession of foreign alcoholic beverages during the Thingyan festival period.

The importation of foreign alcohol is allowed from April 2 to April 10, 2026, while sales are permitted from April 1 to May 30.

Foreign alcoholic beverages imported without prior authorization may be sold only after paying the required taxes at relevant township offices within seven days of the announcement.

After the permitted period ends, those wishing to continue operations must apply through their respective districts to the Alcohol Control Board and may proceed only after obtaining a license or permit.

The statement added that failure to comply with the regulations will result in legal action. Violators will be blacklisted and barred from applying for future licenses.