ierce Fighting Intensify on Strategic Nga Thaing Chaung-Gwa Road in Ayeyarwady Region

Burma News International (BNI) is a network of 15 independent media and news organizations based in and around Burma Intense clashes continue between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar military junta along the strategic Nga Thaing Chaung-Gwa road, local sources reported. The military junta has reinforced its 344th Artillery Battalion near Nga Thaing Chaung in Yekyi Township in an attempt to recapture key roads and junctions seized by the AA in early July. The heaviest fighting is currently concentrated near Mrauk San village, located at the foot of the Rakhine Yoma mountain range. "Clashes are intense on both sides," a local source stated. "The fighting is concentrated around Artillery Battalion 344, older outposts, and the surrounding mountainous terrain." Following the AA’s capture of five military checkpoints, the junta deployed reinforcements from battalions based in Pathein, the capital of the Ayeyarwady Region. These troops advanced through the 344th Artillery Battalion's position to launch a counteroffensive aimed at securing remaining frontline checkpoints. The conflict has since expanded into Tharpaung and Yekyi townships. In response, the junta has launched airstrikes near active battle zones using fighter jets and Y-12 transport aircraft. "AA troops and allied revolutionary forces are intercepting advancing military columns in the forested hills of these townships," another resident noted. "At the same time, revolutionary forces are attacking junta checkpoints. Close-combat encounters are happening almost daily." The advancing junta columns belong to the military's 66th Division, which is pushing toward Gwa Township via the Gwe-Nga Thaing Chaung road. The AA previously seized full control of Gwa Township in southern Rakhine State on December 29, 2024. While the military has repeatedly attempted to retake the township, it has suffered heavy casualties without gaining ground. The latest wave of conflict began in the first week of July when the AA launched sporadic attacks on temporary outposts, capturing at least five positions. Local military sources confirm that intense fighting remains ongoing as the junta struggles to reclaim its lost footholds at the base of the Rakhine Yoma range.