Arakan Army vows to seize all of Rakhine, rejects talk of returning captured towns

The Arakan Army (AA) will press ahead with its goal of seizing control of all of Rakhine State, the group’s spokesperson said Monday, rejecting any suggestion that it might cede captured territory. AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha told reporters that the ethnic armed group has no intention of returning towns and villages now under its administration, despite what he described as potential pressure from China. He said the AA remains committed to its original objective of capturing the entire state. The other two members of the Brotherhood Alliance withdrew from Lashio under Chinese pressure and surrendered Nawnghkio after a junta offensive. The moves raised questions over whether the AA might face similar pressure if it sought to seize Kyaukphyu, a junta-held town with Chinese investments. Asked about the possibility at an Aug 11 press conference, the AA spokesperson indicated that there would be no such return. Khaing Thukha added that since the AA's establishment, their plan has been to capture the entire Rakhine State and deliver it to the Rakhine people. "Even now, we have captured over 90 percent of Arakan (Rakhine) territory, and we will continue to advance according to our set timeline and strategic roadmap until we reach our final destination," he said. Fierce clashes are underway between junta troops and AA forces near Police Battalion No. 32 in Kyaukphyu Township and around the junta’s Dhanyawadi naval headquarters. "The Kyaukphyu battle has been prolonged for various reasons,” Khaing Thuka said. “On our part, we continue to work steadfastly according to our set military objectives.” While Sittwe Township remains quiet, the junta is shelling Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, and Rathedaung with heavy artillery. Since launching its Rakhine offensive on Nov. 13, 2023, the AA has seized 15 towns across the state — including Thandwe, Ramree, Buthidaung, and Kyauktaw — as well as Paletwa Township in Chin State. Chinese pressure The Brotherhood Alliance — made up of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and the AA — launched Operation 1027 in northern Shan State on Oct. 27, 2023, seizing almost the entire region from junta control. In Rakhine, the AA went on to capture 14 townships. Under Chinese pressure, the MNDAA withdrew from Lashio, a key district town, after the junta tried to retake lost territory. Reports later suggested they would also abandon Hsenwi, though MNDAA forces have so far held their positions there. After the TNLA lost Nawnghkio town, the junta has been targeting and attacking Mogok, Hsipaw, and Kyaukme towns under their control, forcing TNLA to simultaneously face both military and Chinese pressure. At the end of this August, TNLA forces are scheduled to meet again with the Myanmar military and China in Kunming. From the Chinese side, a spokesperson responded at China's regular press conference on April 21 this year that there is no Chinese interference in Myanmar affairs.The AA has also vowed to block upcoming junta-organized elections in its territory, dismissing them as illegitimate. The polls are part of the military’s plan to restore a form of civilian rule after seizing power in the 2021 coup, but many ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces view them as a bid to cement junta control rather than end the ongoing civil war. In response to an AFP question about China’s role in the Lashio withdrawal, the spokesperson said Beijing follows a policy of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs and offers only assistance and support to its neighbors — a stance that contrasts its reported involvement in other Myanmar political and military matters. AA fighters during the battle for Kyauktaw in February 2024. (Photo: AA Info Desk)

Arakan Army vows to seize all of Rakhine, rejects talk of returning captured towns

Spokesperson says group will not cede territory despite possible Chinese pressure

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