By Jar Seng / MPA
The Arakan Army (AA) has escalated its military offensives against Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, since February, according to regional military sources.
After securing control over 14 townships in Rakhine State and Paletwa in Chin State, the AA is now concentrating its operations on Sittwe.
A regional military and political analyst said, “The Arakan Army appears focused on capturing Sittwe, one of the last three townships they aim to seize. The AA has encircled the city, using snipers positioned outside to target military troops while continuously launching artillery at junta battalions.”
The AA is also employing heavy weapons and short-range rockets captured from the military to conduct daily attacks on junta positions in Sittwe.
Fighting erupted on Saturday between AA forces and junta troops near Myit Nar and Min Hla villages in Sittwe Township. In response, junta forces stationed in Zaw Ma Det Village fired heavy weapons, igniting fires that destroyed many homes in Min Hla Village.
A local source close to the AA noted that its forces are employing guerrilla tactics, as Sittwe’s flat terrain, lacking forests and mountains, makes large-scale troop movements difficult.
“The AA snipers have taken strategic positions but are being cautious to avoid civilian casualties,” the source said, adding that the junta was using civilians as human shields and imposing restrictions to prevent people from leaving Sittwe.
Although the AA has not made an official statement on the offensive, its Commander-in-Chief, Major General Twan Mrat Naing, indicated at the end of 2024 that the group aimed to achieve full military control over its targeted areas.
“We have set a timeline from mid-2024 to mid-2025. Even if we don’t reach the highest level of our aspirations, we aim to achieve over 80 percent of our military goals, and ideally, 100 percent,” Major General Twan Mrat Naing said.
In retaliation, the military junta has carried out airstrikes on Pauktaw and Ponnagyun townships, the closest AA-controlled areas to Sittwe, according to regional military sources.
Political analysts warned that junta-affiliated groups, including the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) and Rohingya armed groups, may instigate ethnic conflicts in the region as the AA advances toward Sittwe.
Ahead of the AA’s offensive, the military council reportedly threatened internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had taken refuge in the city.
At present, the AA is also coordinating with revolutionary forces in Magway, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions—bordering Rakhine State—to launch further offensives against the military junta.
Editor – Ko San
Translator – Z
