The Arakan Army (AA) has launched a series of sudden attacks on military outposts, small barracks and naval bases outside the Rakhine capital city of Sittwe, resulting in a number of casualties.

On 2 March, the AA fighters carried out drone strikes on several military junta outposts in Yechan Pyin, Khak Daw Pyin and Pyay Yar Chaung areas. Dozens of soldiers, stationed outside the city, were killed, said a reliable local military source.

"The AA's drone strikes caused damages to some military commission outposts, resulting in casualties among soldiers. Additionally, heavy artillery caused further damages," added the source.

The AA fighters are conducting drone strikes on military outposts in the night hours resulting in the deaths of junior military officers as well.

They also  carried out artillery and sniper attacks over  Shwe Min Gan naval base  and Kyar Ma Yawk military base outside Sittwe.

"The local residents could hear the sound of artillery, drones, and small arms firing near Shwe Min Gan. Several  sniper attacks with small arms took place near Kyar Ma Yawk. Lately, the sound of artillery firing, drone bombing and jet fighter bombings has become more frequent now,” said another source.

Residents living on the outskirts of Sittwe are experiencing the panicky situation and many stayed awake throughout the night hours due to the ongoing troubles.

The renewed gun fighting between the junta forces and AA fighters in Sittwe locality has intensified in the last few weeks, confirmed the military sources adding that both sides are currently using drones, snipers and heavy weaponry attacks.