The Arakan Army (AA) has initiated an assault on the Dhanyawadi naval facility located in Thit Pote Taung, Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State.

A military source reported to Narinjara News that the AA commenced its assault on the Dhanyawadi naval base, one of the largest in Kyaukphyu Township, starting the night of February 21 and persisting until 8:00 am on February 22.

"The conflict began last night and continued until approximately 8:00 am.  It was quite intense," the source stated.

Following considerable losses, junta troops at the naval base retaliated by launching artillery shells at alleged AA sites.

After the gunfire incident, troops at the base recklessly shell nearby villages and mountains, a local resident informed Narinjara News.

"The combat has ceased, yet the junta troops continue to launch artillery rounds. Security in the town is more stringent than it was previously," the resident stated.

Previously, on February 20, the AA apprehended a military convoy of approximately 70 junta troops from the 32nd Police Battalion in Kyaukphyu. The assault caused injuries to the junta troops and led to the seizure of multiple arms.

Following clashes in Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State, the AA initiated its assault on Kyaukphyu, an important town for the junta and a site for Chinese projects.

Security surrounding the junta battalions in Kyaukphyu is currently more stringent than ever, as junta troops are firing artillery and guns at bystanders close to the military zone, which has been marked as a red zone.

The Dhanyawadi naval base is located around four miles from Kyaukphyu Town and about five and a half miles from Maday Island, where the Chinese project is located.

On January 8, 2024, the AA launched two improvised rockets at the Dhanyawadi naval base.