Arakan Army says Rakhine towns unlikely to be returned to Myanmar junta

Mizzima

Towns under the control of the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State are unlikely to be handed back to the military junta, the group’s spokesperson U Khaing Thu Kha said at a press conference on 11 August.

“It is unlikely that the towns will be handed over to the military junta,” he told reporters, stressing that the AA’s position differs from arrangements made in northern Shan State.

In Operation 1027, launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) seized Lashio town but later returned it to the junta following Chinese-brokered talks.

“Regarding the return of towns in Rakhine to the junta, our stance will differ from what was done in northern Shan State. For example, members of our Brotherhood Alliance have different historical backgrounds,” U Khaing Thu Kha said.

Since the start of Operation 1027, the AA has captured 14 towns in Rakhine and is continuing its push to seize the remaining areas, including the state capital Sittwe, as well as the towns of Kyaukphyu and Munaung.