A major military offensive in southern Ponnagyun Township, located 16 miles north of the Rakhine State capital of Sittwe, has reportedly ground to a halt after junta forces suffered heavy casualties, according to local sources.
The multi-pronged assault, which began on September 4, involved coordinated operations from the army, navy, and air force.
“The military attacked several villages controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) in southern Ponnagyun Township,” a local military source told Narinjara. “They carried out heavy airstrikes and naval shelling alongside a ground push. However, the military was forced to retreat in several areas due to severe casualties, and the offensive is currently stalled.”
Junta forces targeted AA-held villages from positions including Shwe Min Gan, Tow Kan, Ye Yo Pyin, Wa Bo, Ywa Haung Chaung, and Min Chaung, with the most intense clashes occurring near Shwe Min Gan.
“The navy advanced along the Kaladan River to shell the area, supported by aircraft, while ground columns advanced toward Shwe Min Gan and Tow Kan,” the source added. “As they pushed through Shwe Min Gan, AA forces engaged them at close range, inflicting heavy casualties.”
Reports indicate that the majority of junta casualties were newly conscripted militia members from the Regional Production Corps (RPCs).
“On the night of September 4, they bombed Min Hla village and fired heavy artillery before advancing toward AA positions,” another local source reported. “The AA fiercely retaliated. Many conscripts were killed because they lacked proper combat training. Local reports noted they were shot immediately upon raising their heads as they didn't even know how to crawl for cover.”
Concurrently, junta forces launched an assault north of the Min Chaung Bridge with naval and air support. However, local military sources confirmed they retreated to the bridge after suffering severe losses. Following the retreat, Sittwe-based military units targeted the outskirts of Kwan Taung village with artillery and drones.
Residents noted unconfirmed reports that the Arakan Army also suffered casualties during the clashes; however, the AA has not yet released an official statement.
“The AA initially withdrew from a small outpost near Kwan Taung due to being outnumbered,” a resident explained. “However, they quickly regrouped and counterattacked, forcing the military to retreat with heavy losses. AA forces also maintained the upper hand near Sapa Htar village, where junta troops suffered heavy casualties before falling back.”
While ground operations have paused following the military's retreat, naval vessels and Sittwe-based artillery units continue to launch intermittent shelling into southern Ponnagyun Township.
Narinjara is continuing to monitor the situation along the Sittwe-Ponnagyun border and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Photo: Crd
