Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 26 March 2025

The offensive by the Arakan Army (AA) has progressed to within half a mile of the 32nd Police Battalion, which is tasked with ensuring security in Kyaukphyu, Arakan State, home to numerous Chinese projects such as a deep seaport and an oil and gas pipeline to Yunnan.

A woman in the local military from Kyaukphyu informed Narinjara News that the clashes escalated as the AA attack approached the 32nd Police Battalion in the Gone Chwein village of Kyaukphyu Township.

"The police battalion dispatched military columns, resulting in a confrontation with the AA. As junta troops pulled back from significant losses, the AA steadily moved forward to just half a mile from the police battalion. The battle was fierce," she remarked.

A male military source from Kyaukphyu also communicated with Narinjara News, detailing how, in spite of drone and artillery strikes by the junta forces, the AA's daring offensive has brought them closer to the 32nd Police Battalion.

In Kyaukphyu, the military junta heavily depended on drones, employing them more often than in other confrontations. In spite of the continuous drone and artillery strikes, the AA persisted in their brave advance and got close to the police battalion. There was an additional danger of landmines,” he mentioned.

Clashes continue in the Thit Pote Taung sub-township, near Si Maw and adjacent to the Dhanyawadi naval base. Moreover, local military sources indicate that the AA has taken control of Shauk Chaung village.

Kyaukphyu, home to considerable Chinese investments, is regarded as a strategically important region for both the junta and Chinese interests. As a result, junta forces are pushing back from every direction to prevent the town from falling.