CNI News
11 June 2025
There are pressures on the AA that has three townships only left in Rakhine State, in waging battles to take over towns, military and political observers told CNI News.
The AA, which has occupied 14 of the 17 townships in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township in Chin State, is under pressure because it still has other tasks to do, including maintaining and administering the townships it has seized, U Myo Kyaw of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) told CNI News.
“The AA is still in its infancy in the revolution. So at this time, many of their young people and middle-aged people are trying hard. They can work. They can take over their territories. This is the dream of the Rakhine people that they have dreamed of for over 200 years. The ULA/AA was able to reach up to this level in so short a time. But they had to pay a lot for that as well. Their comrades and people were killed. Daily pressures are on the AA to maintain the territories. Moreover, the AA is responsible for administration, judiciary, healthcare, education and so on in these territories. And there are India's Kaladan River Project and China's Kyaukphyu SEZ and Sino-pipeline in the territories where the AA hasn't captured. The pressures are on the AA for them as well." he said.
While seeing a crossroads in Rakhine State
The AA was waging battles to take over towns on a limited basis, said in a warning preventing Rakhine people trying to evacuate their homes on May 20. Except for Sittwe, Manaung and Kyaukphyu in southern Rakhine State, The AA has controlled 15 towns including Paletwa.
Currently, the AA is launching an offensive against the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Kyaukphyu where China's projects are located.
The AA is waging battles to take over towns on a limited basis and it may be because of China's pressure or because of its difficulties as well, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs analyst, told CNI News.
While seeing Paletwa Town
"Capturing towns is easy. But holding them is difficult. That's why the AA is considering these, I think. Moreover, a town that is captured by the AA can be bombed. The AA wants to have good relations with China. In the statements released by the AA, it will protect China's investments. China's pressure may be on the AA. And it may have other difficulties to wage battles as well." she said.
Military and political analysts point out that the AA may be under pressure from China and India due to the presence of India's Kaladan River projects in Rakhine State.
The Arakan Army (AA) has announced that it has banned men and women eligible for military service under the National Defense Emergency Provision (NDEP) from leaving Rakhine State.
Under the National Defense Emergency Provision (NDEP), women aged 18 to 25 and men aged 18 to 45 are prohibited from travelling outside Rakhine State. The Myanmar Tatmadaw has been using the 'four cuts' strategy in the towns, Rakhine State since November, 2023 when battles resumed in Rakhine State
