Intense fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar military regime forces has escalated near a strategic naval base in western Myanmar’s Rakhine State, with junta forces deploying fighter jets, drones, and heavy artillery.

Combat near Yae Yoe Pyin village has brought active clashes to the closest point yet to the regime's Shwe Min Gan naval base, located near the boundary between Sittwe and Ponnagyun townships.

The surge in fighting follows an AA drone assault on junta troops stationed at a monastery in Ah Myint Kyunt village. In response, junta fighter jets launched heavy air strikes near the Min Chaung Bridge on Sept. 15, causing reported military casualties and triggering loud explosions across the area.

Clashes have since spread toward Kyee Lay Pin village in Sittwe Township as junta troops advance under "Operation 4926"—a major counteroffensive launched on Sept. 4 involving five military columns targeting AA-controlled territory in Ponnagyun.

Ponnagyun remains the primary battleground in Rakhine State, with heavy combat continuing for nearly two weeks.

Military analyst and CDM Captain Zin Yaw noted that junta forces are attempting to secure the Kun Taung area after establishing footholds in Ah Myint Kyunt and near the Min Chaung Bridge. 

He added that the Arakan Army's effective tactical maneuvers continue to push regime defenses to their limits.