Myanmar Junta Suffers Heavy Casualties in Battles Along Rakhine–Ayeyarwady Border

Fierce clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar junta forces continue in Yegyi and Thabaung townships in Ayeyarwady Region, near the border with Arakan (Rakhine) State. Regime forces have suffered heavy casualties, with AA troops seizing weapons, ammunition, and military equipment, as well as recovering the bodies of dead soldiers. Locals reported that the junta continues to launch artillery, drone, and airstrikes in conflict zones, even on days without active ground engagement. “The main hotspots are in Yegyi and Thabaung townships, with a series of skirmishes occurring along the foothills of the Arakan Yoma Ranges bordering the two townships,” a military analyst in Yegyi said. “Most junta offensives have been repulsed, resulting in high casualty rates for regime troops.” According to an AA statement released on August 5, both sides conducted alternating offensive and defensive operations throughout July, heavily influenced by seasonal monsoon downpours and adverse weather. The group noted that clashes and minor skirmishes occurred almost daily. “Junta aircraft targeting positions inside Arakan (Rakhine) State frequently carry out airstrikes along the Yegyi–Thabaung border area,” said a resident living near the regional border. “Regime forces—including regular troops, conscripts, and allied militia members—are suffering heavy losses. Fighting has spread around Thabaung and near Yonepin Village in Yegyi Township, while nearby Ingapu and Lemyethna townships remain relatively calm.” As ground offensives repeatedly fail and result in severe casualties, the regime has increasingly relied on air support. In response to large-scale junta assaults, AA forces have launched rapid counterattacks to repel advancing troops. On August 2, two successive battles lasting roughly two hours occurred near Yonepin Village, involving Light Infantry Battalions 1 and 11 under the junta’s Light Infantry Division 66. Despite deploying infantry and drone strikes, regime forces were forced to retreat. AA troops later inspected the area, seizing military supplies and recovering bodies left behind. A second clash broke out later that evening, forcing junta troops into a chaotic retreat and allowing AA forces to capture additional weapons and ammunition. Earlier on August 1, AA troops seized another cache of weapons and ammunition following a fierce two-hour engagement near Thabaungkalay Village in Thabaung Township. The junta is currently launching multi-front offensives from Magway, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions, as well as southern Chin State, in a strategic push to break through into neighboring Arakan (Rakhine) State.