Fighting on Ngapyi Island Remains Intense After More Than a Week

Fighting on Ngapyi Island has remained intense for more than a week as Myanmar’s military, which seized power in a coup, continues its amphibious offensive in an attempt to capture the island. Both sides have reportedly suffered casualties.
 
The military launched a combined ground, naval and air operation to land on Ngapyi Island in Sittwe Township, Arakan State. Although its forces managed to land on the island, they are reportedly facing fierce attacks from the Arakkha Army (AA).
 
Clashes have continued as both sides currently present on the island fight to gain full control of the entire area.
 
To secure the island, the military has been deploying substantial reinforcements on the ground and extensively using drones, airstrikes and naval fire support.
 
Ngapyi Island is located east of the Shwe Min Gan naval base, at the junction of Sittwe, Wiratarni and Ponnagyun townships. It is approximately one mile from Sittwe.
 
The island is also considered strategically important for the Arakkha Army because of its potential to pose a military threat to Sittwe. As a result, the AA is mounting fierce resistance against the military's offensive.
 
The military, which has reportedly faced difficulties in advancing and securing a landing, has been carrying out continuous artillery shelling and airstrikes on nearby coastal villages and Wiratarni town. These attacks have reportedly caused casualties among local residents.
 
Meanwhile, the Arakkha Army has reportedly captured at least nine military outposts in counteroffensive operations in areas along the Sittwe–Ponnagyun and Rathedaung township borders.
 
Source: Local reports