The war in Myanmar's Rakhine State is escalating as the Arakan Army (AA) intensifies its attacks on junta targets in three coastal townships - Maungdaw, Ramree, and Rathedaung.
The Brotherhood Alliance, which includes the AA, reported an increase in hostilities, with the junta's military responding by bombing the areas in an attempt to defend its remaining bases in these townships. The coordinated bombing campaigns involve the army, navy, and air force.
The AA has vowed to persist in its attacks on junta targets until the troops inside surrender.
Ramree town, according to the AA, has become the most heavily bombed town in Myanmar's westernmost state, as the military continues its bombardment from land, sea, and air.
In Rathedaung town, located in the north of the state, the junta's military has escalated airstrikes and shelling from both land and sea, making it the second most bombed town in Rakhine State.
Recent intense clashes erupted in Rathedaung Township, with the AA also attacking the junta's Bawdhi Kone outpost near a village in Maungdaw Township.
The outpost, manned by Border Guard Police Company 4, is a focal point of the ongoing conflict. The AA is intensifying efforts to seize the outpost, while the junta's military defends it with airstrikes launched by the army, navy, and air force.
Reports indicate that the junta's military continues to target civilians in Rakhine State.
In a recent incident, a naval vessel from Danyawaddy naval base in Kyaukphyu Township seized three fishing boats in the Thanzit River, resulting in the arrest of nine fishermen from Pauk Nat Chay village.
The Arakan Army is part of the Brotherhood Alliance, along with two other ethnic armies, which initiated Operation 1027 in northern Shan State on October 27 of the previous year.
Since November 13, the AA has launched a large-scale offensive against regime targets across northern Rakhine State and Paletwa Township in neighboring Chin State.
The AA has gained significant ground, seizing over 170 junta bases and outposts, along with control of several towns in Rakhine State and one in Chin State.