Nearly 50 junta soldiers and police officers have deserted their posts in the Rakhine State capital of Sittwe over the past two weeks, as the Arakan Army (AA) intensifies its offensive to capture the strategically vital port city.
Local military sources and monitoring groups report that at least 48 personnel, including members of elite commando units and city security forces, abandoned their positions between early January and 14 January 2026.
“From what we know, 48 people fled. They haven’t been found yet. Most are from security units. They likely fled because they can see the reality of the battle as the AA continues its offensive. Now, Muslims are being brought in to provide security in Sittwe, though it’s said they aren’t given training or weapons,” local source said.
CDM Captain Zin Yaw also told Mizzima that the junta had pulled personnel from light infantry battalions within the Sittwe garrison for city security, and seven members of a newly formed commando unit deserted on 12 January.
Arakan Princess Media (APM), a Rakhine-based news outlet, also reported yesterday 18 January that over 50 junta troops had abandoned their weapons and ammunition to flee in groups.
The deserters are reportedly from the Ohn Taw Gyi military camp and the Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 270 based in Sittwe.
Similarly, in Kyaukphyu, where fighting is intense, and Manaung Township, which has not yet seen active clashes, junta forces are reportedly abandoning their weapons to flee or surrendering to the AA in succession, according to APM.
According to some locals, police and junta forces that previously patrolled Sittwe and conducted frequent guest list inspections while arresting and threatening civilians daily have recently scaled back these activities.
“Before, they would check everywhere, including IDP camps and monasteries, and threaten people. It’s a bit quieter now,” a resident said.
In the first week of January, the AA attacked areas near the Regional Operations Command (ROC) headquarters in Sittwe, which is surrounded by 400 security force personnel. The AA captured two outpost camps on Kankaw Kyun that shield the ROC and took 34 prisoners of war.
Following this, on 9 January, the AA ambushed three junta vehicles with landmines in Yay Chan Pyin village, three miles from the ROC. Both the lead and middle vehicles were destroyed, according to local military sources.
In Sittwe, the ROC Commander and the Western Command Commander, Major General Kyaw Swar Oo, are present, along with the former Bureau of Special Operations (BSO) 2 Chief, Lieutenant General Naing Naing Oo.
Currently, military tensions are escalating in the Kyar Ma Thauk and Kankaw Kyun areas of Sittwe.
There are over 10 naval vessels in Sittwe, and at least 10 military units, including the Regional Operations Command, LIBs 20, 270, 232, 344, 354, as well as Police Battalions 12 and 36.
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