Arakan Army Captures Final Military Post on Myanmar-Bangladesh Border
The Arakan Army has captured the last military position of Myanmar on the Bangladesh border, following the retreat of pro-junta forces. Clashes continue as insurgents expand their territorial control, raising concerns about military responses and civilian safety. The AA’s advancements challenge the junta’s grip on power, prompting fears of escalated violence in the region.
Ethnic minority insurgents, specifically the Arakan Army (AA), have successfully captured the final remaining military post of Myanmar near the Bangladesh border. This event marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as pro-junta forces, including Rohingya militia members, abandoned Border Guard Post No. 5 in the Maungdaw region. The AA stated, “The Arakan army successfully captured and neutralized the last remaining outpost … in the Maungdaw region.” Reports indicate that junta forces and members of the Rohingya militias attempted to flee across the Naf River, which delineates the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, utilizing boats while engaging in conflicts during their retreat.
As the AA extends its control, residents express concerns regarding retaliatory actions from military forces, notably the presence of a junta naval vessel that may pose a risk to civilians. In recent months, the AA has made significant territorial gains across Rakhine state, with the junta experiencing setbacks that raise questions about its ongoing rule following a coup that ousted the previous government. Furthermore, the AA captured high-ranking junta officials during their advance, including Brigadier Thurein Tun, who was apprehended alongside his staff as they fled.
The ongoing conflict highlights the complex dynamics in Myanmar, particularly the tensions between the AA, a predominantly Buddhist armed group, and pro-junta Rohingya militias, a source of contention exacerbated by the junta’s recruitment of Rohingya into their ranks. The AA, which controls approximately 80% of Rakhine state, continues to intensify its military operations, raising alarms within the international community regarding the potential humanitarian impact on the affected populations.
The conflict in Myanmar has intensified since the military seized power in February 2021, leading to widespread resistance from numerous ethnic minority insurgent groups. The Arakan Army, which fights for greater autonomy for the Rakhine state’s ethnic groups, particularly the Rohingya, has emerged as one of the most powerful armed organizations in the country. The junta’s attempts to recruit local militias, including from the Rohingya community, have created further divisions and bloodshed in the region.
The capture of the last military post on the Myanmar-Bangladesh border by the Arakan Army signifies a notable shift in the power dynamics within Rakhine state. As insurgent groups gain territory and the junta struggles to maintain control, the ongoing conflict poses severe implications for civilian safety and regional stability. The situation remains fluid, and continued monitoring is essential to assess further developments and their potential humanitarian impacts.
Original Source: www.benarnews.org
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