by RK Desk
Arakan State, 8 September 2026: Heavy fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar junta forces has continued along the Sittwe–Ponnagyun front, with junta troops attempting to advance into AA-controlled areas using ground forces, artillery, drones, aircraft and naval support.
Clashes have continued since 4 September around the Minchaung Bridge area and villages in southern Ponnagyun Township, including Kuntaung, according to Development Media Group and other local reporting.
Military sources cited by DMG said junta troops crossed from Sittwe toward Ponnagyun with support from armoured vehicles and naval vessels, while the AA sent reinforcements and launched counterattacks.
Junta forces have also carried out repeated airstrikes, artillery attacks and drone strikes on areas including Kuntaung, Sabahtar, Aidin and Thonesaung villages.
On 7 September, an airstrike hit near Phet Kya village in Ponnagyun Township. DVB later reported that one school and one house were destroyed in the attack, while no civilian casualties were reported because residents had already fled the area.
Thousands of civilians from villages in Ponnagyun and neighbouring Rathedaung have reportedly fled since the fighting escalated, amid continuing airstrikes and artillery fire.
Reports differ over battlefield losses. Narinjara, citing local military sources, reported that junta forces suffered heavy casualties and were forced to retreat from some positions. It also cited unconfirmed reports of AA casualties, but the AA has not publicly disclosed losses.
One resident cited by Narinjara said AA fighters briefly withdrew from a small position near Kuntaung after being outnumbered before regrouping and counterattacking. Rohingya Khobor could not independently verify battlefield claims from either side.
The renewed fighting has increased risks for civilians living around Sittwe, Ponnagyun and Rathedaung, where repeated shelling and airstrikes have already forced residents to leave their homes.
There has been no independently verified casualty count for either side.
