Military sources report increasing tensions between military junta troops and the Arakha Army (AA) along the border between Sittwe and Ponnagyun Townships, with both sides reinforcing their military presence in Sittwe – one of the last remaining northern Arakan territories under the junta’s control.
According to sources, both sides have been reinforcing their troops in and around villages such as Ah Myint Kyun, Chi Lel Pin, Thein Tan, Kyar Ma Thauk and Taw Kan, which are located in Sittwe Township near the border with Ponnagyun Township.
“The military council is reinforcing their troops in their controlled villages in Sittwe Township these days. They’re bringing in both personnel and weapons. The AA is also strengthening their forces with both troops and weapons in their controlled villages within Sittwe Township and villages bordering Ponnagyun Township. So, military tensions are escalating little by little,” said a man familiar with the military situation.
The Arakha Army has already captured Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, and Pauktaw Townships, which border Sittwe Township, and is currently surrounding Sittwe Township.
In addition, some AA troops have infiltrated Sittwe Township and are engaging in frequent small clashes with the junta troops.
Concerned about potential AA offensive reaching Sittwe Township, the military junta is preparing defensive positions and has increased artillery strikes toward Ponnagyun Township in recent days.
“There hasn’t been a major AA offensive in Sittwe yet. But, I’ve heard there are occasional encounters between the two sides. Not major battles. Both sides are making necessary preparations. The military council has been firing artillery almost daily at villages along the Ponnagyun-Sittwe border these days,” said a Ponnagyun resident.
On the night of 17 December, junta troops fired artillery from Sittwe at Pa Day Thar village in Ponnagyun Township, killing one civilian and injuring four others.
Local residents speculate that the military build-up in Sittwe Township could lead to major battles in early 2025.
“The military council is anticipating an AA offensive on Sittwe soon. Since the fall of Maungdaw, with Sittwe being the only remaining city in northern Arakan State, they’ve been making preparations. Since the AA has officially said they will clear Arakan of the junta troops, major battles in Sittwe are likely to occur in early 2025, sooner or later,” said a displaced Sittwe resident who monitors the military situation in Arakan State.
Similarly, the military council has expelled residents from more than 30 villages along the Sittwe-Ponnagyun Township border and deployed reinforcements there, causing nearly 20,000 locals to remain displaced.
During over a year of armed conflict in Arakan State, the AA has captured Paletwa and 13 townships in Arakan State and it continues operations to capture the Western Command in Ann and Gwa Township.
The junta currently controls only three townships in Arakan State: Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Man Aung.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG).