The Arakan Army (AA) and its allies have extended operations from Rakhine State into Ayeyarwady Region and are reportedly 62km northwest of the regional capital, Pathein.
Junta troops have been rapidly retreating since the AA attacked Magyizin on January 5 following the seizure of Gwa Township in southern Rakhine on December 29, according to residents.
The junta has deployed many troops to Ayeyarwady’s beach resorts since last week to defend the coast road.
Fighting was paused from January 10-16 but restarted with AA attacks on Bomie and nearby villages near Shwe Thaung Yan town, around 30km south of Gwa.
A relative of a junta sergeant told The Irrawaddy that the sergeant and 16 privates were stranded near the town and asked Infantry Battalion 308 on Monday to send food.
“Their commander refused to send food but told them to drink alcohol instead and fight on. He ordered them not to retreat so my relative and the 16 other soldiers have deserted and gone missing,” the source said.
Retreating junta troops destroyed a bridge at Bomie village on Monday to slow the AA advance towards Thabaung and Pathein, according to residents.
Residents say Magyizin and Bomie villages are held by the AA, although the armed group has not confirmed the advances.
At least 60 injured junta troops were moved to Chaungtha from Bomie by boat and road to the Southwest Command and Field Medical Battalion in Pathein, according to Pathein People’s Defense Force (PDF).
“The junta has cut off electricity as its forces retreat. Most of the injured troops are forced conscripts,” said a PDF member.
The junta has been shelling Shwe Thaung Yan daily, reportedly hitting its retreating troops. Thousands of civilians have been displaced by the fighting.
A video on Monday showed Bomie houses burning with a soundtrack of gunfire and shelling.
On January 17, approximately 250 junta troops from Bomie are now stationed in Thapot Kan and Wet Thay villages, according to the PDF. Other retreating troops have been sent to defend beach resorts.
Fighting in Magyizin, Bomie and other villages has been centered along the 160km Ngayokekaung-Gwa road that connects southern Rakhine State and Ayeyarwady Region.
The popular Shwe Thaung Yan, Ngwe Saung and Chaungtha resorts are along the road.
The AA said on Monday that its forces were fighting on the borders of Bago, Magwe and Ayeyarwady regions.
It reported regime defeats, deaths, the seizure of arms and ammunition and surrendering troops.
The AA is a member of the Brotherhood Alliance that has liberated most of northern Shan State with Operation 1027 since October 2023.
The armed group has seized 14 out of Rakhine State’s 17 townships and Paletwa Township in southern Chin State since November 2023.
