AA expects clashes to increase after the Myanmar Army sent in reinforcements.

The Arakan Army denied claims made by the Myanmar Army that it seized its military training ground.

“There is nothing there. Our military base wasn’t located there, so definitely there wasn’t a military operation to seize our camp.” said Khaing Thukha, head of AA’s information department.

The Office for the Commander-in-Chief of the Burmese Army reported launching a military operation against one hundred AA soldiers in northern Rakhine state from February 20 to 26. The Army claims it seized a training center near Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U roads. During this time, four AA soldiers were killed and their weapons taken.

Khaing Thukha said there were “intense clashes” near Mrauk-U township on February 19.

“At least 30 Burmese soldiers, including officers, were killed or injured during the clashes.”

After the Burmese Army ambushed them and three AA soldiers died in action, he said. They lost one RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade).

“That is all. There is no such event like what they say,” Khaing Thukha said.

“I think there will be a lot more fighting because the Burma army has sent reinforcements to Rakhine State.”

Fighting has broken out in Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Ponna-Kyun, Rathaytaung, Buthitaung, Maungdaw in Rakhine State. In Chin State, Paletwa township has been affected.

The Myanmar Army declared a four-month unilateral ceasefire late last year in much of the country except where fighting is occurring with AA.

The conflict is causing displacement and food insecurity, yet the Army is preventing aid workers from sending rations to many areas affected by fighting.