The Arakan Army (AA) and allied local resistance forces have taken control of a junta outpost in Natmahokekalay Village, Indaw Township, Sagaing Region, resistance sources said.

The outpost was reportedly overrun after more than two hours of sustained fighting following an offensive launched on the evening of May 13.

“The outpost was defended by two junta columns with more than 100 troops in total. Our forces began the attack at around 4:30 p.m., and the entire compound was under our control by roughly 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Because clearing operations have not started yet, we still cannot confirm the exact number of casualties,” a local resistance source said.

Despite successfully seizing the position, fighting has continued in surrounding areas.

Field reports indicate the situation remains tense as another junta column advances from Katha Town in Sagaing Region toward the conflict zone, raising the likelihood of further clashes.

“We took the camp, but there wasn’t time to fully clear the area. By morning, another junta column had already been deployed, and heavy fighting is ongoing again. At this point, it’s clear the battle is far from over,” the aforementioned source added.

Earlier, on May 10, AA and allied resistance forces also ambushed a junta column moving from Tigyaing toward Katha.

Clashes have intensified across Sagaing Region in recent weeks as junta forces face off against resistance coalitions led by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the AA. As the fighting has escalated, the junta has also stepped up its use of airstrikes across the region.

The junta regained control of Indaw and Katha townships in March and April this year following large-scale offensives, after previously losing them to resistance forces.

Meanwhile, ongoing fighting has forced thousands of civilians to flee from Natmahokekalay, Natmahokekyi, Kanni, Kayin, Konehkar, Kukar, and Kuseik villages in the Natmahoke Village Tract of Indaw Township.