On January 1, the Arakan Army (AA) launched an offensive to seize the Taungpongyi artillery base of the Myanmar junta in the Yoma mountain range within the Arakan region, according to ground-level military sources.
The Taungpongyi artillery base is located near Taungpongyi village in the Yoma mountain range and serves as a key security outpost for the military junta, providing critical oversight and protection for checkpoints along the Taunggoke-Pantaung road, according to reports.
The base is situated within the Arakan region’s territorial boundaries in the Yoma mountain range. Ground-level military sources confirm that the Arakan Army (AA) is determined to capture and secure control of this area as part of its broader strategy to consolidate Arakan’s territorial integrity.
“The Arakan Army will continue to target and seize all junta’s military bases within its territory. Since the Taungpongyi base is located in the Yoma mountain range, it is certain to be captured. The Arakan Army plans to take control up to the foothills of Yoma and the surrounding areas. Meanwhile, the Myanmar junta is reportedly resisting with airstrikes,” a ground-level military source told Border News Agency.
In the decisive Arakan war, the Arakan Army (AA) has fully captured and established control over Paletwa and other townships, including Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Maungdaw, Ponnakyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbrar, Myaybon, Pauktaw, Rambre, Thandwe, Taunggoke, Ann, and Gwa.
On December 14, the Arakan Army (AA) launched a decisive attack and fully captured Taunggoke Township, where the junta’s Operation Command Headquarters No. 5 was located.
Following the capture of Taunggoke Township, the Arakan Army (AA) continued its offensive against Myanmar junta outposts along the Taunggoke-Pantaung road, including those in the Yoma mountain range. Intense clashes are ongoing, with the junta forces relying heavily on airstrikes to mount fierce resistance, according to ground-level sources.
The Taungpongyi artillery base has reportedly become a site of intense clashes, as some junta troops retreating from the No. 5 Operations Command Headquarters have regrouped there. Ground-level sources confirm that heavy fighting continues between the two sides in the area.
“The Arakan Army is continuing its efforts to secure control over the remaining areas within its territory. The Myanmar junta is fiercely resisting, as clashes have reportedly reached areas near Pyi. Junta aircraft are actively conducting airstrikes. A ground-level source told Border News Agency that it is only a matter of time before more military bases fall under AA control.”
After capturing 15 townships, the Arakan Army (AA) announced on December 29 that it was ready to pursue a political resolution. However, locals report that junta forces continue to target and attack the Arakan people, escalating tensions despite the AA’s call for dialogue.
In addition, military tensions remain high in areas such as Kyaukphru, Sittwe, and Manaung townships. The Arakan Army (AA) has indicated that it will continue its offensive and expand its control, including areas along the Yoma foothills and the Irrawaddy region border, aiming to secure full control over Arakan’s territorial boundaries, according to local Arakan people.
The Arakan Army (AA) has secured control over several key cities, including those with airports, a university town, two border towns, and three towns along strategic routes leading to central Myanmar. However, local Arakan people report that the Myanmar junta still maintains control over crucial waterway and air routes, with the AA yet to fully dominate these sectors.
