Myanmar Junta Fortifies Sittwe Stronghold, Occupies Homes as Arakan Army Closes In

As frontline fighting draws closer to the Arakan State capital of Sittwe, the Myanmar military junta has intensified security by occupying private homes and residential buildings to station troops, according to local sources. Since July, regime forces have seized houses near the Sat Yoe Kya Bridge along Sittwe’s main thoroughfare, converting them into forward defensive positions. "Junta troops are positioning themselves near Sat Yoe Kya Bridge," said a source familiar with the situation. "Soldiers have taken over hostel buildings near the Wave Karaoke shop and instructed homeowners to remove their belongings, warning that anything left behind will be confiscated and used by the regime." As Sittwe remains the military’s last major stronghold in northern Arakan (Rakhine) State, the Arakan Army (AA) has encircled the city. In response, regime forces have reinforced defensive perimeters with bunkers and troop deployments on the city's outskirts. To block potential AA advance routes, the junta began installing razor wire along coastal areas, including Strand Road and ViewPoint Beach, in August 2024. By April 2025, heavily fortified bunkers had been constructed at these locations and at key urban intersections. The regime is now seizing control of structures in areas it considers potential entry points for AA forces. "As fighting nears the city center, the regime will likely tighten its grip even further," a Sittwe resident said. "Civilians are already unable to leave, raising serious concerns that the military could use both residential properties and residents as human shields." While AA forces maintain a tight siege, large-scale urban combat has not yet erupted inside Sittwe proper. However, the two sides regularly trade heavy artillery fire, and AA troops have launched periodic offensives along the city's periphery. In late July, AA forces launched an offensive near Yaychanpyin Village, pushing closer to Sittwe before ground engagements temporarily ebbed. "Though clashes persist on the outskirts, fighting hasn't broken out inside the city itself," another resident noted. "People still move around during the day, but the regime regularly conducts night raids to check guest lists, arresting anyone deemed suspicious." Alongside tightened security within the city, the military has intensified patrols along the coastline. On August 3, junta forces opened fire on three internally displaced persons fishing at sea near the border between Sittwe and Rathedaung townships, killing one. Sittwe serves as the administrative seat of Arakan State. Its fall would signal the complete loss of regime control over the state, making its defense a critical priority for the military junta.