Escalating Clashes Displace Thousands in Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady Region

AA

Fierce fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar’s military junta has intensified across three townships in Ayeyarwady Region, forcing thousands of civilians to flee, according to local reports.

Junta Airstrikes and Clashes Spread

This week, junta airstrikes and shelling triggered battles in Lemyethna, Yegyi, and Thabaung townships, near the border with Rakhine State. Airstrikes targeted villages in Lemyethna, while in Thabaung, clashes erupted near Artillery Battalion 334 as junta aircraft circled overhead.

The military has imposed travel restrictions, shutting down key roads, including Pathein-Monywa and Gwa-Ngathaingchaung, since 18 March. Meanwhile, reports indicate junta troops retreating from village outposts in Thabaung.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

More than 3,000 residents from 10 villages in Thabaung and around 1,000 from Lemyethna have been displaced. With airstrikes ongoing, many civilians have fled to monasteries and urban centres for shelter.

The AA, which launched an offensive against the military in November 2023, has gained control of 14 out of 17 Rakhine townships and Paletwa Township in Chin State. Recent battles in Nyaungdon have reportedly left over 120 junta troops dead, with AA forces capturing key positions in Padaung.

Civilian Concerns Grow

The fighting has raised fears for civilian safety, particularly as national matriculation exams take place. Reports suggest the junta is preparing to occupy schools after the exams, reinforcing its defensive positions.

As clashes continue in Bago and Magwe regions, Myanmar’s conflict shows no signs of de-escalation, deepening the humanitarian crisis in affected areas.

-2025-03-22