Intense clashes between Myanmar military junta forces and the Arakan Army (AA) continued for a fourth consecutive day on September 7 along the border of Sittwe and Ponnagyun townships, as junta troops attempted to push deeper into AA-controlled territory, according to military sources and local reports.
Fighting escalated on the morning of September 4 when junta ground forces, supported by armored vehicles and naval warships, launched an offensive across the strategic Minchaung Bridge toward Kuntaung village in Ponnagyun Township.
The Arakan Army subsequently deployed reinforcements and launched counterattacks.
Over the past four days, the junta has unleashed heavy artillery, drone strikes, and jet fighter bombardments targeting civilian communities across Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, and Pauktaw townships. Affected areas include Kuntaung, Sabahtar, Aidin, Thonesaung, Phetkya, and Thaekhon villages, causing significant destruction and damaging civilian property.
"From around 1:00 PM on September 6, the Arakan Army launched drone attacks near Minchaung Bridge, followed by intermittent exchanges of heavy artillery and small-arms fire throughout the day," a military source told DMG.
Military analysts view the offensive across Minchaung Bridge as a strategic attempt by the military regime to establish a foothold in Ponnagyun Township and secure key transport junctions leading to Rathedaung.
"Their primary objective is Minchaung Bridge and Kuntaung village, aiming to secure control up to the Ponnagyun-Rathedaung road junction," said Captain Zin Yaw, a military defector.
The ongoing escalation has forced thousands of civilians from roughly 20 villages across Ponnagyun and Rathedaung townships to flee their homes.
Simultaneous conflict is escalating elsewhere in Arakan State. Heavy fighting continues in Kyaukphyu Township amid junta naval movements and ground advances, while junta forces are attempting amphibious landings supported by relentless airstrikes in Thandwe and Gwa townships.
Analysts warn that hostilities across the region are likely to intensify further as the junta deploys massive air, naval, and ground assets in a bid to reclaim territory lost to the Arakan Army.
