In a big development, the Arakan Army, one of Myanmar's prominent ethnic armed groups, has claimed control of the last military outpost in Maungdaw, a strategic town in western Myanmar. With this capture, the group now controls the entire 271-kilometer (168-mile) border with Bangladesh, further solidifying its hold over northern Rakhine State. Complete Control of Rakhine's North
The capture of Maungdaw marks a milestone in the Arakan Army's campaign for autonomy in Rakhine State. This victory follows earlier conquests of Paletwa and Buthidaung, two other towns near the Bangladesh border. The Myanmar military has not issued a statement regarding these developments.
Strategic Importance of Rakhine
Rakhine State has become a focal point in Myanmar's ongoing civil war. Ethnic armed groups, including the Arakan Army, and pro-democracy forces have been fighting against the military regime that seized power in 2021 after toppling the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The state’s geographical location and control over the Bay of Bengal add to its strategic importance.
Arakan Army’s Growing Influence
Khaing Thukha, a spokesperson for the Arakan Army, said in a message on Monday that the group had seized Maungdaw’s last military outpost on Sunday. He claimed that Brigadier General Thurein Tun, the outpost commander, was captured while attempting to escape.
The Arakan Army has reportedly gained control of 11 out of Rakhine's 17 townships, along with one in neighboring Chin State, since November 2023. The group has also captured over 30 military outposts, leaving the army's western command—overseeing Rakhine and southern Chin—on the brink of collapse.
Concerns over Rohingya Community
Recent clashes in Rakhine have raised alarms about potential violence against the Muslim Rohingya minority, reminiscent of the atrocities in 2017 that forced over 740,000 Rohingyas to flee to Bangladesh. The Arakan Army denies allegations of targeting Rohingyas, though there have been accusations of human rights abuses, including forced displacements and attacks on civilians.
The Arakan Army also recently suspended transportation across the Naf River, citing attempts by police and local Muslims linked to the Myanmar army to escape into Bangladesh.
The Arakan Army is part of a larger ethnic alliance that has launched offensives in northeastern Myanmar, gaining strategic positions along the border with China. Its growing dominance in Rakhine underscores the weakening grip of Myanmar’s military in these contested regions.
The Myanmar-Bangladesh border, stretching across land, the Naf River, and the Bay of Bengal, remains a hotspot for conflict and humanitarian concerns as the civil war in Myanmar escalates.
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