Arakan Army becomes largest revolutionary force in South and Southeast Asia, US research group says

By Admin 17 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

17 July 2026, Mrauk-U

The Arakan Army has become one of the largest non-state armed organizations in South and Southeast Asia, according to a report published on July 16 by the US-based independent policy research institute the Jamestown Foundation.

Titled “Arakan Army Becomes Most Effective Insurgent Force in Myanmar,” the report describes the Arakan Army as the largest revolutionary armed group in Myanmar. It said the organization has seized control of most townships in Arakan State and is expanding military operations into neighboring regions to establish a territorial buffer zone.

The report said the Arakan Army has developed effective administrative, judicial and local development systems in areas under its control. It has also formed strategic alliances and provided military training and guidance to other revolutionary forces across Myanmar.

The US research institute also highlighted that the Arakan Army’s control over foreign investment projects has given it geopolitical leverage with China and India, allowing it to operate with greater autonomy compared with other revolutionary forces.

The report said Operation 1027, launched in October 2023 in coordination with its Brotherhood Alliance partners, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, significantly altered the balance of power in Myanmar’s post-coup civil war.

After seizing control of key cross-border trade routes during the operation, the Arakan Army emerged as one of the most powerful and influential revolutionary forces in Myanmar.

According to the researchers, the Arakan Army has driven regime troops out of western Myanmar and is now building a self-governing proto-state.

The report also stated that the Arakan Army has prioritized maintaining harmony among ethnic minorities in Arakan State while expanding religious freedom for Muslim and Hindu communities.

The report noted that the Arakan Army’s growing strength and administrative systems represent one of the biggest challenges facing the military government led by self-appointed President Min Aung Hlaing.

Following the town-capture battles that began in Arakan State in November 2023, the Arakan Army now controls 14 townships in Arakan State as well as Paletwa Township in Chin State.

Arakan Army Chief Major-General Twan Mrat Naing has said the ethnic Arakanese armed group aims to capture all remaining junta-controlled towns in Arakan State and declare victory before the end of 2027.

Among the three remaining junta-controlled towns in Arakan State, clashes are ongoing in Kyaukphyu and Sittwe townships, where the regime continues to mount strong defenses.