Arakan Army Launches Major Sittwe Siege — Naval Base Stormed

On March 23, 2026, the Arakan Army launched a coordinated assault on the Shwe Min Gan Naval Base near Sittwe, Rakhine State's capital and the last major SAC holdout in the state. AA fighters attacked from multiple directions, killing an estimated 30–40 junta soldiers and advancing to within 2 km of the city center. Simultaneous attacks were launched on Ann Township and Ngape Township (March 24). By March 27–31, AA fighters maintained siege positions and approximately 48 junta soldiers and police deserted Sittwe as the cordon tightened. The Kyaukpyu area — site of China's strategic CMEC deep-sea port — was also under concurrent pressure. The fall of Sittwe would complete the AA's effective takeover of Rakhine State.