It is reported that the Myanmar junta has significantly increased its naval forces in response to concerns over attacks by the Arakan Army (AA) on military headquarters in Sittwe, the capital, where the regional military council offices are located.

The Myanmar junta has expanded its strategic naval forces stationed near Point Recreation Beach, specifically at the No. 3 naval group, increasing its presence to serve as the headquarters for the naval command in the western region. A senior naval officer is leading the operations, with a staff of 50 officers and around 300 naval personnel, according to a report from Border News Agency.

The No. 3 strategic naval group has been relocated to Shwe Min Gan in Sittwe District, where the Myanmar junta has expanded its naval presence. The naval forces now include around 300 personnel, with a fleet of 35 large and small warships, primarily engaged in logistics and supply operations, as confirmed by reports.

In addition, the Myanmar junta’s naval forces have been actively conducting naval operations around the waters surrounding Sittwe District, deploying over 100 naval personnel. Reports suggest that more than 30 naval ships, including warships, have been mobilized for extensive maritime surveillance and military exercises.

A junta’s naval source told Border News Agency, “The only way to enter Sittwe is via the waterways, so we have reinforced the naval forces to their maximum capacity. All access points to the city via water routes are under strict naval control, and no one can enter without authorization. We have deployed the largest naval force possible to secure the area, making it impossible for anyone to enter through the water.”

According to residents of Sittwe, junta sources report that the Myanmar junta’s naval vessels and military bases in the region are engaged in heavy artillery fire targeting areas such as Pauktaw, Ponnakyun, and Rathedaung in the surrounding townships.

Residents of Sittwe report that, in addition to the naval artillery fire from the Myanmar junta’s large warships surrounding the city, the Junta Air Force has also been intensifying airstrikes, significantly increasing the military’s offensive activities in the region.

These actions are seen as preemptive strikes by the Myanmar junta’s military to prevent the Arakan Army (AA) from mobilizing forces and launching attacks on Sittwe Township. Additionally, they appear to be aimed at displacing and intimidating civilians, creating an environment where normal life becomes impossible, according to Rakhine conflict observers.

“If Sittwe is to be attacked, it is expected to come from these three towns, so the junta is launching preemptive strikes. They aim to weaken the AA forces and make it impossible for civilians to remain in the area. Drone surveillance and patrols have also been reported. Unlike before, the junta is no longer waiting passively with defensive strategies; they are actively dismantling any formations or movements in advance. It’s fair to say the military has shifted its strategy,” a Rakhine conflict observer told Border News Agency.

Additionally, it has been reported that the areas surrounding the town are fortified with defensive walls, thousands of naval and land mines, and heavily fortified checkpoints. All waterways leading to the town are secured with strong defensive structures, reinforced with heavy machinery, to prepare for potential attacks.

“From Point Beach to the entire surrounding area of the town, strong defensive preparations have been made,” a source within the Myanmar military told Border News Agency. “Heavy artillery has been stationed, and both naval and ground patrols have been reinforced with significant manpower. Artillery is ready to target any area the AA might approach. It won’t be easy to penetrate Sittwe anymore, as steadfast defensive structures have been established.”

The state capital serves as a strategic military base, housing the Regional Command Headquarters, Infantry Battalion No. 20, Infantry Battalion No. 232, Infantry Battalion No. 270, Light Infantry Battalion No. 344, Light Infantry Battalion No. 354, and Artillery Battalion No. 373.

Additionally, the area hosts various specialized military units, including Field Engineer Battalion No. 908, Communication Battalion No. 818, Logistics and Transport Battalion No. 828, Field Medical Battalion No. 8, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Battalion No. 9, Combat Mobilization Training School No. 8, Military Police Unit No. 868, Communication Workshop No. 4, Construction Engineering Unit No. 962, Ordnance Unit No. 434, and Education School No. 10.

Furthermore, the region also includes Military Hospital No. 17 with 100 beds, Military Intelligence Security Unit No. 2, Police Battalion No. 12, Police Battalion No. 36, as well as a naval base.

It has been reported that near the Muslim refugee camps in the northwestern part of Sittwe Township, all waterways are heavily fortified by the Myanmar junta. Large naval vessels and armed Muslim trainees have been stationed in significant numbers to reinforce defensive positions. Furthermore, all waterways leading into Sittwe Township have been tightly sealed off by the junta, according to sources within the junta’s circles.

As a result, if the Arakan Army (AA) were to launch an offensive to capture Sittwe, they would first have to confront the Myanmar junta’s naval forces, which are heavily fortified. They would also likely face intense airstrikes from the junta’s air force. However, military observers suggest that the AA could leverage their experience and effective strategies gained from battles in Thandwe, Maungdaw, and Ann to execute a well-planned offensive.

“The AA has undoubtedly gained valuable experience from capturing key locations such as the Thandwe Naval Training School, Maungdaw’s No. 5 Regional Operations Command, and the Ann Regional Military Headquarters. These operations provide crucial insights into how the AA might strategize and utilize effective tactics to target and confront the navy while planning offensives on Sittwe and Kyaukphru,” a Rakhine military analyst told Border News Agency.

In the eastern part of Sittwe Township, there are Kalatan River and Pauktaw Township, while to the west and south lies the Bay of Bengal. To the north, you will find the Ponnakyun Township and Rathetaung Township.

It is reported by Rakhine military analysts that although the Arakan Army has fully captured most of the towns surrounding Sittwe Township, it still has not been able to control the expansive maritime area of the Bay of Bengal.

The Kalatan Multi-Modal Transportation Port, located at the mouth of the Kalatan River in the capital Sittwe, is part of India’s Kalatan River project. The Arakan Army has fully secured and controlled the township to the east of the port, including the eastern bank of the Kalatan River, as well as the entire route of the project passing through the Kalatan River area.

In the decisive Arakan battle, the Arakan Army managed to attack and capture some naval vessels, including the junta navy training schools of the Myanmar junta. However, they have not yet been able to attack and capture the large Myanmar junta naval vessels stationed in the open sea.