The Arakan Army (AA) stated that clashes with the junta persist in Arakan (Rakhine) State, while fighting continues on three fronts along the state’s borders with neighboring regions.
The AA claimed it is continuing efforts to achieve all its operational objectives, with fighting ongoing in areas where it aims to capture towns.
Additionally, the AA confirmed that war fronts are active and fighting continues in areas along the borders of Arakan State with Magway Region, Bago Region, and Ayeyarwady Region.
“We’re working to coordinate our defensive, offensive, and mobile operations to achieve our goals,” the AA announced.
On August 14, clashes erupted between the junta’s Light Infantry Division 99 and the AA in Suntet Village, Ngape Township, Magway Region.
The AA also announced that around 20 bodies of junta soldiers were discovered after the battle, with weapons and military equipment seized as well.
The AA claimed that the junta is facing setbacks across military, political, and international fronts, and stated that it is actively pursuing and neutralizing junta troops retreating chaotically from clashes.
Meanwhile, fighting in Arakan State could intensify as the junta prepares to reclaim lost territories, a political and military analyst noted.
“The AA has said it won’t give up an inch of the territory it’s taken, so the fighting is likely to get even fiercer. The AA is also well-prepared on the defensive side, which means the clashes could be really intense,” he told DMG.
AA spokesperson U Khaing Thu Kha said that the junta is highly unlikely to regain control of the townships it has already lost.
Since resuming operations on November 13, 2023, the AA has taken control of 14 out of 17 townships in Arakan State, as well as Paletwa Township in neighboring Chin State.
Currently, the junta still controls only three major cities in Arakan State: Kyaukphyu, Manaung, and Sittwe. Clashes are ongoing in Kyaukphyu, though the AA has noted that the operation’s progress has been delayed for various reasons.
At a press conference on August 11, U Khaing Thu Kha reaffirmed that the AA will continue its efforts to liberate all of Arakan State and return it to the Arakan people, the primary goal for which the group was founded.
