Fighting eased briefly in late 2025, but since early 2026, residents report renewed small-arms and artillery fire around Sittwe, the capital of Arakan (Rakhine) State.

Fighting had been quiet around the junta-controlled city since Phase 1 voting in the junta-overseen election on December 28. However, since January 1, residents reported renewed gunfire and artillery explosions near the junta’s Police Battalion 12 outside Sittwe City and a junta battalion near Let Way Thalone Taw Dhat Zedi Pagoda.

“Artillery fire has been heard sporadically around Sittwe in the past. But machine gun fire has become more frequent these days. There have been incidents of Sittwe-based junta positions firing at Arakan Army (AA) troops. On the morning of January 3, about 10 bursts of machine gun fire were heard,” said a woman from Sittwe City.

Military tensions are rising between the junta and the AA in Sittwe Township, which includes Sittwe City, and the junta has previously targeted AA positions with artillery shelling, drone bombings, and airstrikes. In particular, the junta has frequently carried out drone strikes on AA-controlled villages in Sittwe Township, including Myitnar, Minhla, and Wahbo, as well as on villages such as Sapahta and Aungmaykone near the border between Sittwe and Ponnaygun townships.

In response, the AA used to shell junta positions with artillery, including the Regional Military Operations Command in Sittwe.

“Clashes have been confirmed outside Sittwe City, though the exact locations aren’t clear. Small-arms fire has been heard more often lately, but it’s still unclear whether the AA is preparing for a ground offensive,” said another resident of the city.

Locals reported that artillery exchanges between the junta and the AA around Amyintkyun Village, located just at the entrance to Sittwe City, have intensified over the past few days.

Despite rising military tensions, the junta is making extensive preparations for festivities marking the 200th anniversary of Sittwe City and is urging locals to take part.

“The junta is getting ready to hold a big celebration for the 200th anniversary of Sittwe City. It’s planning stage shows, other entertainment programs, and sports events for students, and the junta-appointed administration staff have been informing locals about it,” a Sittwe City resident told DMG.

The junta is also preparing to reopen Sittwe Point Beach, which has been closed since late 2023 because of the fighting in Arakan State.

In Arakan State, the junta is conducting airstrikes, drone bombings, and artillery barrages on AA-controlled areas, including Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, and Pauktaw townships.

The junta also held celebrations in Sittwe City on Arakan State Day, December 15, while simultaneously carrying out bombings in Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, and Pauktaw townships.

Sittwe was founded by the British on January 12, 1826, when Arakan State was under colonial rule, and it now serves as the state capital.