Fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar military has remained intense for five consecutive days as of September 7, following an offensive by the junta forces from Sittwe Township across the Min Chaung Bridge into Ponnagyun Township, according to military sources.
Since this morning, fighting has continued between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army near the Min Chaung Bridge in Sittwe Township and near Kwan Taung Village in Ponnagyun Township.
Military sources also reported that the Myanmar military has continued launching airstrikes and artillery attacks on Kwan Taung, Sapahtha, Aidan and Thone Saung villages up to the present time.
On September 7, the Myanmar military conducted an airstrike on Ponnagyun Township from around 7:45 am to 8:00 am. The attack reportedly landed and exploded near Phet Kya Village along the Ponnagyun-Rathedaung road, causing damage and casualties.
In addition, artillery shells have reportedly been fired from military battalions based in Sittwe toward Theik Kone Village in Pauk Taw Township since this morning.
The current fighting began after the Myanmar military launched airstrikes on seven villages in Sittwe, Ponnagyun and Rathedaung townships on September 3, leading to heightened military tensions between the two sides. Fighting subsequently broke out from the morning of September 4.
On the morning of September 4, the Myanmar military crossed the Min Chaung Bridge and launched an offensive toward the area near Kwan Taung Village in Ponnagyun Township. The Arakan Army subsequently reinforced its forces and launched a counteroffensive that evening.
The AA stated on September 4 that the Myanmar military was advancing with forces from at least seven fixed positions and two armoured vehicles, while naval warships were also providing artillery support during the fighting.
Military observers said the junta is attempting to establish a foothold in Ponnagyun Township and use it as a base for launching further offensives into townships controlled by the Arakan Army.
The ongoing fighting near the Sittwe-Ponnagyun border has reportedly forced thousands of residents from around 20 villages in Ponnagyun and Rathedaung townships to flee to safer areas.
At the same time, fighting has also intensified in Kyaukphyu Township, where the Myanmar military has been conducting military movements and troop deployments by sea.
In addition, the Myanmar military has been conducting naval movements and attempting to launch coastal landings in Thandwe and Gwa townships, while also carrying out repeated airstrikes.
Military observers have warned that fighting could intensify further as the junta may deploy large-scale ground forces alongside air and naval operations in an attempt to retake townships in Rakhine State currently controlled by the Arakan Army.
