CNI News

19 December 2024

The Arakan Army could leave Sittwe and Kyaukphyu as demilitarised zones, chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S, an NCA signatory, told CNI News.

China summoned and met with leaders of the AA on 1st December, he said.

“Whether a sensitive economic hub like Kyaukphyu and Sittwe, the current administrative capital of Rakhine State should be attacked or left as demilitarized zones, the AA seems to ask China for advice. 

These two places are left as demilitarized zones and by maintaining important military headquarters, the AA may get the political results it wants. In my opinion, Sittwe and Kyaukphyu could be left as demilitarized zones.” said Col. Khun Okkar.

The entrance signboard to Sittwe City

China met with the AA on 1st December, and with the UWSA on 3rd December and, with the TNLA on 5th December and, with the KIA on 8th and 9th December. 

The MNDAA met with the SAC delegation led by Lt-Gen Ko Ko Oo on 15th December.

Battles are severely breaking out between the SAC and the AA in Rakhine State and the AA has captured 13 towns. Currently, the AA is launching offensives in order to capture Ann and Gwa Towns.

According to the AA's political ambition and its deep connection with China, the situation would have to be watched, spokesperson of the 7 EAO Alliance, Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt told CNI News.

The entrance signboard to Kyaukphyu Town

" It will depend on how deep the AA's relation with China is. I know they met. China wants armed conflicts to end. It wants peace talks. The AA can capture one town after another. The AA 's ambition is to win the level that is not lower than the confederation." he said.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw was not encouraging in the current battles against EAOs across the country, pointed out military and political analysts.

Armed groups could not demand their desire through armed means and armed conflicts could be solved at the political roundtable only, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing in his letter sent to the 50th anniversary celebration of Rakhine State Day.