Hundreds of junta troops have surrendered to the Arakan Army (AA) since the coup in February 2021, according to a 14 June press release by the United League of Arakan/ Arakan Army (ULA/AA).

Currently, the AA is giving humanitarian aid to hundreds of soldiers from the Myanmar military who have deserted the army, according to the ULA/AA spokesperson Khaing Thuka.

“There are hundreds of military council soldiers who have deserted. We are helping these soldiers with all possible humanitarian assistance. We’ll not reveal the exact numbers”, he said.

Currently there are tensions between the Military Council and the AA in Arakan State.