In a significant development, the Arakan Army (AA), one of the armed groups that launched an offensive against Myanmar’s military forces, has claimed to have captured the town of Paletwa in Chin State. The AA announced on its Telegram channel that there are no longer any military council camps in the entire area. The capture of Paletwa, situated close to the border with India and Bangladesh, has drawn the attention of Delhi as it is part of a major development project supported by India to improve connectivity in the remote region.
The AA, though relatively new, is well-equipped and has been engaged in battles with the military in Rakhine State and parts of Chin State for several years. Even before the military coup in 2021, the AA had gained control over a significant portion of Rakhine State. However, during the coup, the military avoided confrontation with the AA to focus on suppressing opposition to their seizure of power.
Last October, the AA declared its alliance with other anti-coup groups and began a series of attacks against the overstretched military. Over the past few weeks, this alliance has achieved multiple victories against the military along the Chinese border. The recent capture of the last military post in Paletwa township gives the AA control over the port of Paletwa on the Kaladan River, thereby gaining control of road and water transport to the Indian border.
For the military, losing control of major towns in Rakhine to the insurgents would be a severe blow to their authority. They have reportedly resorted to airstrikes and helicopter gunships to impede the AA’s advance towards Kyauktaw, a town that connects the Rakhine capital, Sittwe, with the rest of Myanmar.
The future course of action for the AA remains uncertain. It may choose to consolidate its gains and avoid further losses. The group’s ultimate objective is to attain some degree of independence or autonomy within a federal state, which they believe is more likely under a new elected government rather than military rule.
In the wake of the fall of Paletwa, the junta faces the challenge of reinstating morale within its ranks and convincing its soldiers to continue fighting against the multifaceted opposition they now encounter. The loss of civilian lives due to explosives in Myanmar continues to rise, further complicating the situation in the country.
Furthermore, Myanmar has now surpassed Afghanistan to become the top producer of opium in 2023. This alarming development highlights the mounting challenges faced by the country and emphasizes the need for comprehensive efforts to address the underlying issues plaguing Myanmar’s society and economy.
As this conflict unfolds, it is crucial for regional and international actors to closely monitor the situation, assess the potential spillover effects, and actively engage in diplomatic efforts to promote peace, stability, and respect for human rights in Myanmar.
