Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 18 January 2025

An exchange of shelling has erupted between the Arakan Army (AA) and junta forces near Wah Bo village under Sittwe township of Arakan State.

A Sittwe resident informed Narinjara News that the exchange of fire began at midnight on 16 January.

"After the airstrikes on Wah Bo village at midnight, we could hear the sound of gunfire exchanged between the AA fighters and junta soldiers," added the resident.

Another resident told Narinjara News that the  junta battalions were shelling Wah Bo village and nearby areas in the morning hours of 17 January.

"The artillery shells were fired for two days. The AA fighters used drones to scout areas where the junta soldiers took position in Wah Bo village," added the resident.

The junta has deployed thousands of reinforcements, dozens of including military-trained Muslim individuals, in strategic locations apprehending potential entry points for the AA fighters. These locations include Shwe Min Gan jetty on the outskirts,  Kyar Ma Thauk checkpoint and Kywe Te Par Da Leik ferry port.

A military source in Sittwe told Narinjara News that the situation in the city remains tense.

"They are now increasing their presence at checkpoints on the outskirts instead of in urban areas. The military situation is tense here. I think the fighting will soon take place in Sittwe," added the source.

The Sittwe-based 20th infantry battalion, regional operations command (ROC) and 908th field engineer battalion have also been shelling over Pauktaw and Ponnagyun localities.

The navy vessels stationed near Sittwe are also seen increasing maritime activities.