Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 22 January 2025 

Military experts in the area state that the Arakan Army (AA) and allied resistance groups have seized multiple coastal villages in Pathein Township, Ayeyarwady Region, such as Ma Gyi Zin and Baw Mi, and are currently presenting a military threat to Shwe Thaung Yan and Thabaung. 

Recent clashes occurred in Pathein Township, Pathein District, and CDM Captain Zin Yaw informed Narinjara News that the AA might be able to seize Pathein, the capital of Ayeyarwady Region. 

"The AA and the resistance troops are trying to gain control of the coastline extending to Mawtin Point. If the AA and local residents completely come together and collaborate, they could capture Pathein. I think they might become a danger to Yangon from that location," Captain Zin Yaw stated. 

The AA and opposition forces have gained control of the villages of Ma Gyin Zin and Baw Mi in Pathein Township. The conflict has swiftly expanded across the township, and the capital, Pathein, is now experiencing military effects as well. 

“Regarding land and distance, Shwe Thaung Yan and Pathein are near each other. The junta is mobilizing its troops, and from a military standpoint, the AA can strike Pathein, but this will require some time," Captain Zin Yaw remarked.

He mentioned that the junta is additionally mobilizing its troops to reclaim Baw Mi, which was deserted following significant losses. 

Nonetheless, Captain Zin Yaw indicates that the already diminished junta forces will not be able to retake the regions controlled by the AA along the coastline. He thinks they can only protect Pathein to stop it from being taken. He stated that if Pathein were to fall, it might present a significant danger to Yangon. 

“Should the revolutionary forces and the AA take Pathein, they might pose a threat to Yangon. The Karenni might also participate in the struggle. Military formations need to be taken into account. If Yangon collapses, as stated before, the government of Yangon might relocate to Naypyidaw. By threatening Yangon, the junta forces in Naypyidaw will likely lose morale and might capitulate," he stated. 

A military source informed Narinjara News that numerous junta soldiers were killed and a few escaped during the clashes in Baw Mi village, located in the Shwe Thaung Yan sub-township of Pathein District, Ayeyarwady Region. The injured were first carried by boat to Chaung Thar on the night of January 18 and subsequently moved by ambulances and trucks to the 4th Field Medical Battalion under the Southwestern Command, located in Pathein.  

At present, residents along the route connecting Baw Mi Village and Shwe Thaung Yan have abandoned their homes because of the continued conflict. 

According to locals, truck drivers and conductors are also scared for their safety since the junta has been compelling them to use trucks and boats to transport deceased and injured soldiers, in addition to food, personnel, and weapons to regions close to the conflict. 

Baw Mi village, which is experiencing fierce fighting, lies approximately 20 miles from Shwe Thaung Yan Town and can be reached by both land and water routes. 

Furthermore, Shwe Thaung Yan is about 40 miles away from Pathein, the location of the junta's Southwestern Command. 

As per a declaration from the Arakan Army (AA) on January 20, fighting persisted in various sites along the border of the Arakan and Ayeyarwady Region, including Point-369 hill and close to Chin Su village in Yegyi Township, Ayeyarwady Region. 

The AA further indicated that conflicts between the fascist military junta and the Arakan Army (AA) have escalated in areas bordering Arakan-Bago, Arakan-Magway, Arakan-Ayeyarwady, and the Arakan Mountains-Ayeyarwady regions.