Border News Agency
Sittwe, September 29

Fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) has continued to intensify on at least seven fronts across the Arakha region, with the military suffering significant casualties and facing battlefield setbacks, according to a statement issued by the United League of Arakan (ULA) on September 28.

On September 4, the Myanmar military launched offensives using substantial forces from at least four locations, including the Sittwe–Ponnagyun township border. However, the forces were reportedly pushed back and forced to withdraw after suffering heavy casualties.

During clashes between Kwan Taung and Myint Kyun villages, near Min Chaung Bridge along the Sittwe–Ponnagyun township border, the AA reportedly captured two soldiers from Light Infantry Battalion 252, under Division 101, based in Pakokku: Private Aung Pyae Sone and Private Yan Nyein Aung, on September 16.

On September 20, the AA also reportedly captured prisoners of war, including a soldier identified as Michael from Light Infantry Battalion 257, and seized bodies, weapons, ammunition, and military equipment from the battlefield.

The ULA said that after its ground offensives had suffered setbacks and significant casualties, the Myanmar military was now facing further battlefield losses on new fronts.

The ULA further alleged that as the Myanmar military faces setbacks on multiple fronts, it has increasingly carried out deliberate airstrikes targeting civilians and residential buildings that are not directly connected to military operations.

The ULA said that such attacks had resulted in 49 civilian deaths and nearly 60 injuries in Kyauktaw Township, while 23 civilians were killed and 77 injured in Sar Yoe Pyin, Mrauk-U Township.

The ULA/AA warned that those involved in, and those who ordered, airstrikes against civilian targets that it described as constituting war crimes would be held accountable and face what it described as appropriate retaliation.