The Arakan Army (AA) is attacking Myanmar junta’s naval base in Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State, according to residents.
Kyaukphyu has several Chinese-backed mega projects, including oil and gas pipelines, a deep seaport and a special economic zone. Only Kyaukphyu, the state capital Sittwe and Manaung remain under junta control in Rakhine State with the AA seizing the other 14 townships.
Residents report that, after over a year without attacks, the AA renewed its offensive on the Danyawaddy base on February 20, simultaneously launching attacks on surrounding military outposts and a police battalion.
Clashes reportedly continued intermittently, pausing on Monday and Tuesday, but they resumed on Wednesday and are ongoing.
Both sides have exchanged artillery fire and junta airstrikes are targeting about 10 villages in the area, displacing residents.
“We fled our village on February 20, along with others,” said U Nyo, 52, of Si Maw village, whose family is sheltering in Ma-ei town, Taungup Township. “We have no relatives or friends in the town to take shelter with and we are afraid the fighting will intensify.”
The Rakhine media reported airstrikes on U Kin, Kyan Chai, Saing Chong, Saing Chong Don, Shauk Chaung, Si Maw, Kat Thabyay and Pya Tae villages near the naval base.
The resumption of clashes in Kyaukphyu coincides with the junta’s passage of a law allowing armed Chinese security firms to operate in Myanmar. The Private Security Services Law enables Chinese private security organizations to be stationed in Myanmar to protect Beijing’s interests, including Belt and Road Initiative projects, such as those in Kyaukphyu.
On Thursday, the junta reportedly dropped 500-pound bombs on villages using fighter jets and Y-12 aircraft. The Rakhine media reported considerable damage to civilian buildings after shelling and airstrikes.
The AA first attacked Danyawaddy, south of Sittwe, in January 2024.
Residents report regime reinforcements in Kyaukphyu and Manaung, including more naval vessels off the coast.
Flights between Yangon and Kyaukphyu are booked for March 2 and 20 while Sittwe has weekly flights.
The AA is also attacking Sittwe, where all private and state-owned banks have closed amid AA shelling. The regime is preventing residents from leaving the city by road and waterways, and has been preparing defensive bunkers in over 20 villages surrounding the state capital.
Clashes between the AA and its allies have been reported in several villages in Thabaung Township, Ayeyarwady Region, since Thursday.
