Arakan Army strikes Myanmar Navy vessels amid ongoing airstrikes in Rakhine State

What happened

The local English-language source DVB reports that artillery fire from the Arakan Army (AA) struck two Myanmar Navy vessels in Pauktaw Township on Wednesday. A local source in Pauktaw, speaking anonymously, observed smoke rising from the vessels, which were patrolling coastal waters between Sittwe and Kyaukphyu. The navy ships reportedly attempted landings in multiple townships including Pauktaw, Thandwe, Gwa, Ramree, and Myebon. No casualties were reported in the attack, and the extent of the damage remains unclear.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The incident occurs amid continuing airstrikes by the Myanmar Air Force targeting internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and populated areas in Rakhine State. DVB reports at least eight civilian deaths from airstrikes on two IDP camps in Ponnagyun Township during early October, while around 50 civilians were killed in airstrikes in Kyauktaw Township. These locations lie within contested areas northeast and north of Sittwe and Pauktaw.

Since November 2023, the Arakan Army has reportedly seized control of 14 of the 17 townships of Arakan (Rakhine) State and Paletwa Township in neighboring Chin State. The AA expanded its operations into Ayeyarwady, Bago, and Magway regions in 2025. Control of key urban centers such as Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung remains with the Myanmar regime.

Known from the source

• Two Myanmar Navy vessels were hit by artillery fired by the Arakan Army from a village in Pauktaw Township.
• The vessels were patrolling coastal waters from Sittwe to Kyaukphyu.
• No casualties were reported from this attack; damage extent is unclear.
• Airstrikes by the Myanmar Air Force targeted two IDP camps in Ponnagyun Township on October 4-5, killing at least eight civilians.
• Airstrikes in Kyauktaw Township resulted in around 50 civilian deaths.

What remains unclear

The ongoing conflict, marked by artillery exchanges and airstrikes, has significant humanitarian implications including civilian casualties and displacement, which DVB's reporting indicates are increasing. The naval patrols and attempts at troop landings highlight strategic maneuvering by the state military in contested coastal areas.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Precise damage assessment of Myanmar Navy vessels after artillery strike. Independent verification of casualty numbers from airstrikes in Ponnagyun and Kyauktaw townships. Verification of continued naval patrols and attempted troop landings in the specified townships.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: DVB English. Open the source.