Heavy fighting between the military junta and opposition forces continues in Yekyi and Thabaung townships in Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady Region, as the regime presses forward with large-scale offensives, according to military sources.
Daily engagements are being reported near the Point 101 hilltop outpost in Yekyi Township and around Thabaunglay Village in Thabaung Township amid persistent junta attacks.
"The regime is conducting ground offensives supported by airstrikes and drones in an attempt to retake control of lost territory in Ayeyarwady," a military source said.
In the Ayeyarwady theater, the junta has deployed troops under its South Western Command and Light Infantry Division 66, attempting to push through Yekyi, Thabaung, and Laymyethna townships toward neighboring Arakan State.
Following heavy casualties during ground operations across Ayeyarwady Region, the military launched near-daily airstrikes throughout July and August targeting Gwa and Thandwe townships in Arakan State, which border Ayeyarwady.
For nearly a year, junta forces have tried to penetrate southern Arakan State through Gwa Township, advancing along the Gwa–Ngathainggyaung and Thabaung–Magyizin routes.
However, as ground advances sustain high casualties and retreat, regime forces have turned to targeting civilian areas, according to a local military analyst in Arakan State.
"Regime forces are attempting to enter Arakan State on two fronts: via Gwa–Ngathainggyaung and Thabaung–Magyizin. But because their offensives are suffering heavy losses and falling back, they have resorted to launching air raids against civilians in Gwa and Thandwe," he said.
Clashes across Yekyi, Thabaung, and Laymyethna townships have escalated sharply since early 2026, with military sources reporting an increased reliance on airstrikes and heavy artillery to support ground troops.
The Arakan Army and allied forces have been active across Yekyi, Thabaung, Laymyethna, Ingapu, and Pathein townships since early 2025, capturing and establishing control over dozens of military outposts and tactical hilltop bases.
