The Myanmar military junta has launched a major offensive involving approximately 1,000 troops along the Sittwe-Ponnagyun border in western Myanmar's Rakhine State, triggering heavy clashes with the Arakan Army (AA), according to military sources.

Designated “Operation 4926,” the offensive began on Sept. 4 with five military columns—each comprising 170 to 200 soldiers—targeting key positions across Sittwe and Ponnagyun townships.

Military analysts say junta forces are attempting to cross the strategic Minchaung Bridge in Sittwe Township to establish a foothold in AA-controlled Ponnagyun and recapture lost territory.

However, after more than a week of intense fighting, several junta columns have suffered heavy casualties and been forced to retreat following AA counter-offensives.

Between Sept. 4 and Sept. 10, hundreds of junta soldiers, including column commanders, were reported killed or wounded.

“Both sides are exchanging heavy artillery and small arms fire. The military junta is also conducting airstrikes around active combat zones,” a military source said.

Junta forces have deployed extensive firepower, including heavy artillery, naval bombardment, combat drones, and airstrikes.

“The military junta is mounting large-scale offensives against territories controlled by the Arakan Army, but these operations are failing to achieve their objectives,” political analyst U Aung Marm Oo said. “Fighting is set to intensify further rather than diminish.”

The ongoing clashes come amid a broader push by the ethnic armed group to secure the region.

Arakan Army chief Maj. Gen. Twan Mrat Naing previously declared that revolutionary forces intend to liberate all remaining towns in Rakhine State before 2027.