Border News Agency
Ponnagyun, September 6

Military tensions remain high in Ponnagyun Township, which is under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), as the junta is attempting to recapture a foothold in the township but has not yet been able to advance, according to sources familiar with the situation on the ground.

The junta has been conducting coordinated ground, naval, and air attacks to clear the way and establish a beachhead to recapture areas along the borders of Ponnagyun Township. As a result, military tensions remain high along areas near the riverbanks.

According to sources on the ground, both sides remain deadlocked and facing each other near villages including Kwan Taung, Sapa Htar, and Aung Myay Kone in Ponnagyun Township.

“The military has repeatedly attempted to advance using ground, naval, and air power. The Arakan Army is putting up fierce resistance, taking advantage of its familiarity with the terrain. Since the military has an advantage in air power, it has been heavily targeting bunkers and artillery positions. There have been heavy casualties on both sides, and neither side has been able to advance. They remain facing each other,” a source familiar with the fighting told Border News Agency.

The Arakan Army stated that starting at around 1:35 p.m. on September 3, four junta fighter jets carried out approximately 30 bombing attacks within 30 minutes against villages located between Ponnagyun, Sittwe, and Rathedaung townships.

The Arakan Army also reported that junta aircraft conducted airstrikes in areas between Kwan Taung, Kone Tan, Krane Chaung, Makkala Kya, Nyo Raung, and Min Hla villages in Ponnagyun Township, as well as between Kyet Yoe Seik and Nyaung Pin Gyi villages on the Moe Seik coast in Rathedaung Township.

The Arakan Army further stated that the junta launched artillery attacks against areas in Ponnagyun, Sittwe, and Rathedaung townships at around 10 a.m. on September 4.

Sources on the ground said the attacks were part of the junta’s efforts to launch a counteroffensive through coordinated ground, naval, and air operations. The fighting has therefore become extremely intense, and the Arakan Army has reportedly withdrawn from one forward defensive position and suffered casualties.

“The Arakan Army is putting up its strongest resistance. The military is trying to advance by using superior forces and heavy artillery fire. Our side had to withdraw from one forward defensive position, and some people have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. The military has suffered many deaths. They have been dragging the bodies of their soldiers back toward Sittwe,” a source familiar with the fighting told Border News Agency.

The Arakan Army stated that seven junta artillery positions in Sittwe were providing artillery support, while naval warships were also firing artillery.

In addition, the Arakan Army reported that two junta tanks were also firing artillery.

Military observers said the junta’s heavy use of air support and coordinated ground, naval, and air attacks indicates preparations for a counteroffensive, while some of its airstrikes have been effective.

An ancient historic cave pagoda in Ponnagyun Township was reportedly damaged by junta shelling. Sources on the ground said the junta has been providing extremely heavy artillery support, with shells being fired only seconds apart.

“The military is providing extremely heavy artillery support, firing shells only seconds apart. Whenever the Arakan Army fires at a position, the military responds with intense shelling. Both sides are using drones, artillery, and small arms in extremely heavy attacks. Both sides are suffering casualties, but neither side has been able to advance,” another source familiar with the fighting told Border News Agency.

The junta is also attempting to advance from the Min Chaung Bridge to establish a foothold and recapture Ponnagyun Township, while also trying to land and establish positions along the waterways. As a result, junta forces have been carrying out intense attacks with drones and fighter jets against Arakan Army forward defensive positions along the borders of Ponnagyun Township, according to sources on the ground.

The United League of Arakan (ULA) has therefore issued a warning urging residents to remain particularly cautious of junta attacks in towns and villages, including coastal areas and areas along riverbanks and streams.

Military observers said the junta is using at least 3,000 troops in its offensive in Ponnagyun Township. They said the offensive is being conducted as part of a counteroffensive strategy using drones, artillery, heavy howitzers, tanks, military speedboats, naval warships, and fighter jets.

As a result, fighting could become more intense. If the conflict continues for a longer period and the fighting spreads to a wider area, more local residents could be forced to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere, according to sources familiar with the situation on the ground.