Arakan News Desk: Clashes between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakan Army (AA) have intensified in Rakhine State’s Sittwe Township since Friday, with both sides exchanging artillery fire amid speculation of an imminent battle.
Sittwe, the state capital and the junta’s administrative seat, is the last town in northern Rakhine still under military control. The regime now holds only two townships in southern Rakhine—Manaung and Kyaukphyu, reports the Irrawaddy.
Since launching its offensive in November 2023, the AA has taken control of the remaining 14 Rakhine townships. Junta forces in Sittwe have sporadically shelled AA-controlled areas since December, but residents say the AA began responding on Friday, escalating the exchanges over the weekend.
“The military is firing in volleys of 10 to 20 shells, while the AA responds with two or three rounds from different locations,” a Sittwe resident told The Irrawaddy. The shelling has been heard near Sittwe’s borders with Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, and Rathedaung townships.
A source told The Irrawaddy that the AA and its allies have begun operations to seize Sittwe. At the time of reporting, AA spokesman Khaing Thukha was unavailable for comment.
Sittwe houses a regional operations headquarters, multiple infantry and artillery battalions, a naval base, and about ten junta battalions. A military analyst suggested the AA is assessing the regime’s weak points before launching a full assault.
Following the capture of key sites such as Ann, home to the junta’s Western Command, and Maungdaw, analysts believe the AA is closing in on Sittwe, positioning itself for a takeover of the Rakhine capital.
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