A major military offensive aimed at retaking territory in western Myanmar’s Rakhine State has stalled just one week after launch, with junta forces suffering heavy casualties and tactical retreats against the Arakan Army (AA).

Dubbed "Operation 4926" by pro-junta media influencers, the combined land, naval, and air assault was launched on Sept. 4 across multiple fronts, including Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Kyaukphyu, and Gwa townships.

Advancing from Sittwe toward the Ponnagyun border, junta vanguard troops briefly captured a small Arakan Army outpost near Minchaung Bridge before AA forced them back with heavy counterattacks.

Fierce fighting continues near Ah Myint Kyun Bridge as well as Khamaungdaw and Aungmyaygon villages, despite the junta amassing more than 10,000 personnel in Sittwe Township.

Simultaneous offensives in Kyaukphyu Township and coastal bombardment in Thandwe and Gwa have also met strong resistance.

Military defectors report that around 500 soldiers from Light Infantry Division 101 are advancing toward Bawmi in Gwa Township, indicating potential escalation along the southern coast.

Conflict monitors view "Operation 4926" — named imitating the ethnic alliance’s "Operation 1027" — as the first major campaign under General Ye Win Oo, the junta’s new military chief.

However, analysts note that the regime is relying heavily on raw numbers, air support, and naval shelling to compensate for battlefield setbacks.

Since launching its offensive in November 2023, the Arakan Army has taken control of 14 townships across Rakhine State.

Observers warn that following battlefield defeats, junta forces are likely to escalate attacks targeting civilians to exert pressure on the AA.