Since 15 February, the joint force led by the Arakha Army (AA) has initiated an offensive targeting the No. 344 Artillery Battalion near Nga Thaing Chaung town in Yegyi Township, Ayeyarwady Region, according to sources with close ties to the military.
The AA is currently shelling the frontline stations and the battalion. In retaliation, the military council is conducting attacks with paramotors, supported by artillery, according to a military source.
“The AA has launched an attack on the frontline camps of the artillery battalion based in Myauk San village. The military is resisting with the use of paramotors. Hundreds of militia members and reinforcement troops have been sent from Kyonpyaw to support the artillery battalion,” the military source said.
The artillery battalion being targeted by the AA and joint forces is strategically important for controlling the Gwa Yoma mountain ranges, located on the border of Arakan State and Ayeyarwady Region.
The battalion is located approximately 15 miles from Nga Thaing Chaung town. Locals from Nga Thaing Chaung are fleeing to Yegyi and other safer areas in advance.
A local man from Nga Thaing Chaung said, “Fighting is ongoing at the No. 344 Artillery Battalion, and the sounds of artillery shelling can be heard. It is located about 15 miles from Nga Thaing Chaung. Some people from the town have already fled to safer areas. The military council is making strong defenses at the Yay Nan Thar checkpoint.”
Regarding the offensive on the 344th Artillery Battalion, the AA and the joint forces have not issued any statements about it.
Since January 2025, the AA and allied forces have launched an offensive in Ayeyarwady Region. Currently, fighting is taking place in Pathein, Yegyi, and Thabaung Townships.
So far, the AA has seized control of the Baydar checkpoint and camps near Ma Gyi Zin village, Baw Mi village, and Kyar Gaung village in Ayeyarwady Region.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)
