Myanmar Navy Conducts Unannounced Live-Fire Drills Near Pauktaw Fishing Grounds

On August 20, 2026, approximately seven Myanmar Navy warships — drawn from Sittwe-based vessels and the Thit Puk Taung Naval Headquarters in Kyaukphyu — conducted unannounced live-fire drills near Santawshin Pagoda on West Phayongka Island, Pauktaw Township, Rakhine State. Residents of the three Phayongka islands, whose population relies almost entirely on fishing, said they were given no prior warning and were terrified when the Navy opened fire at sea within their fishing grounds. The Arakan Army subsequently warned local fishermen to remain highly vigilant around the islands given the hostile naval activity.