The Arakan Army (AA) has advanced its offensive to the outskirts of Sittwe, bringing heavy fighting to junta-fortified positions in Yaechanpyin and Kyattawpyin villages, according to local sources and military analysts. "Fighting flared up near Yaechanpyin village around July 15," a local military analyst told Network Media Group. "The AA stormed several junta outposts near the ferry jetty linking Yaechanpyin to southern Rathedaung before executing a tactical withdrawal. "Because the junta comes under frequent attack, this pattern of sudden raids followed by tactical AA withdrawals has been ongoing for some time." The current battle zone sits just five miles from the junta's Regional Operations Command (ROC) headquarters near Sittwe.