Heavy artillery exchanges between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakan Army (AA) have intensified along the border between Sittwe and Werathani townships in Rakhine State, according to residents.

The artillery battles began Sept. 4 following clashes in neighboring areas between Sittwe and Ponnagyun townships.

“We hear hundreds of artillery detonations daily,” a resident from Hsintetmaw Village in Werathani Township told local news outlet DMG. “Shells are mostly landing near villages in Werathani, while junta forces are also shelling Ponnagyun from Sittwe. On Sept. 4 and 5 alone, military units and warships fired well over 100 rounds.”

Artillery fired from Sittwe landed on Myayngu Island, though casualties could not be immediately confirmed.

Fearing further artillery strikes and airstrikes, residents from several villages near the border—including Hsintetmaw, Hsinai, Thaekhon, Tawtan, Gyinchaung, and Kyeinnipyin—have fled to safer areas.

Continuous shelling by junta warships has also halted fishing activities, devastating local livelihoods on Myayngu and Alel Phayonekar islands.

“Junta warships are shelling Werathani daily, so we can’t go out to sea,” a local fisherman said. “Our livelihoods depend entirely on fishing, and people are now struggling to survive.”

While the AA has maintained a blockade around Sittwe for months, frontline clashes in the immediate area had previously been limited. Local sources said the recent escalation followed a military offensive aiming to secure a foothold in Ponnagyun Township.