Intense Fighting Between Two Sides in Myanmar Empties 20 Villages in Rakhine State

The military junta forces in Myanmar have suffered significant losses in the intense clashes surrounding Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State. Min Pyin village is the epicenter of the conflict. Myanmar soldiers have sustained severe casualties due to the Arakan Army’s (AA) planned attacks and strategic ambushes. Additionally, approximately 20 villages have become deserted, and nearly ten thousand more people have been newly displaced.

Since the military coup in 2021, the junta forces have been cornered in various areas by fighting armed rebel groups. Already, resistance fighters have taken control of several junta bases across different states. Conversely, the Myanmar junta is desperately trying to retake regions currently held by the rebels.

The ongoing fighting between the junta army and the Arakan Army in Kyaukphyu town of Rakhine State continues to intensify.

Recently, the Arakan Army launched a drone attack on junta soldiers positioned in front of the Min Pyin police station. As a result, at least 10 junta soldiers were killed at the site.

Following this attack, the junta forces carried out bombardments on November 18 in Min Pyin, Wa Na Chuin, Laketin, and neighboring villages. Consequently, thousands of residents were forced to flee.

Junta soldiers recently seized an important Arakan Army hilltop camp near Min Pyin and advanced toward other nearby camps. However, the junta forces were forced to retreat by the Arakan Army’s extensive counter-attack. The Arakan Army also struck junta bases located along the main road leading to Kyaukphyu and the protected Naval Headquarters.

Currently, the Arakan Army has taken control of nearly 15 towns and is continuing fierce clashes with the junta forces in Kyaukphyu and the Rakhine-mainland border areas.

Meanwhile, locals claim the military is desperate to recover the area. This violence between the two sides began after the junta government announced elections in the city, known as a key China-backed investment hub.

Local aid workers report that residents in Kyaukphyu are spending their days in fear amid the intense fighting. The navy is attacking schools and villages. Approximately 20 villages have been emptied, and nearly ten thousand people have abandoned their homes and become displaced.