Fierce fighting continues at the Natyaekan hilltop base in Ngaphe Township, Magway Region, as the junta carries out daily airstrikes on surrounding villages in response to relentless attacks by the Arakan Army (AA).

Locals report that as the AA and allied forces step up their offensive, the junta has intensified bombardments on nearby communities, particularly Lai Village.

“The junta keeps hitting villages near the Natyaekan base. Lately, Lai Village has been hit the hardest. Junta aircraft drop bombs almost every day, using drones or jet fighters,” a local source told DMG.

The battle for the base has dragged on for over a year, forcing residents from several nearby villages to flee to safer areas.

In recent days, the junta sent reinforcements from Ngape Township’s Padan Town to prevent the base from falling, but the AA-led resistance coalition repeatedly blocked their advances.

“The junta doesn’t just hit the base—it shells villages randomly, too. I’ve heard the villagers are safe for now. Most of them stay at their terrace farms these days because of the previous bombings near Natyaekan,” another local source said.

Clashes remain intense around the base, with the junta deploying jet fighters, Y-12 aircraft, drones, and artillery in its attempts to hold the position.

Strategically, the Natyaekan hilltop base sits along the Arakan Mountain range in Ngaphe Township. It acts as a gateway to Ann Township in Arakan State and provides access to Magway Region in the central plains, making it a key stronghold the junta is fiercely defending.

The AA-led coalition has now encircled the base, putting it under siege, with some junta soldiers reportedly surrendering to AA forces.

Since capturing 14 townships in Arakan State, the AA expanded its operations into neighboring Magway, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions in early 2025.

Analysts said that the junta’s Directorate of Defence Industries (weapon factories) in Magway and Bago regions are increasingly at risk due to the ongoing AA offensives.