CNI News

10 January 2025

Military and political analysts are considering and discussing why the Arakan Army (AA) does not attack Kyaukphyu, Sittwe and Manaung in Rakhine State. 

There are 17 townships in Rakhine State and the AA has already captured 14 townships. However, the AA does not continue to attack the three remaining townships - Kyaukphyu, Sittwe and Manaung. Questions are also being raised as the AA's offensive moves towards the mainland.

According the statement released by the AA on 29th December 2024, foreign investments and projects would be protected by the AA. 

So, without attacking the three remaining towns, its offensives were moving towards the mainland, U Khun Sai taking part in the peace process told CNI News.

While seeing the AA

" The Kaladan River Project of India is located in Sittwe while the Chinese Project, in Kyaukphyu. Manaung also has a naval base. So, the AA doesn't have to attack these places urgently. The AA announced on 29th December that it will protect foreign investments. So, without attacking these towns, it's likely that the AA's offensive is moving towards the mainland." he said.

The AA was always ready to solve the domestic problems through the political means, said in the statement released by the AA. 

The AA's offer to discuss politically was not retreat from its objectives and it was a well-crafted publication that was in keeping with the times, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a Myanmar-China affairs analuyst, told CNI News.

While seeing a junction in Rakhine State

" Revolutionary forces don't have to fight continuously. They have to fight and rest because after a large battle, material or manpower has decreased. They need to take time to replenish these things. It takes a while to rebuild your spirit. You have to find a method for that. The AA might be put pressure as well to meet and discuss. Or the AA itself might need to do so." she said.

There are Chinese interests in Kyaukphyu and because Manaung is on an island, the AA could take time to attack it. However, the AA could attack Sittwe, said military and political analysts.