Always ready to resolve conflicts via political means, AA says

By Admin 29 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
29 December 2024, Sittwe

The Arakkha Army (AA) said in a statement on December 29 that it is always ready to resolve conflict through political rather than military means, on the same day that the ethnic armed group claimed to have won control of its 14th township in Arakan State, out of 17 total in the state.

The AA stated that in recent years, under the leadership of China, it has actively cooperated with groups such as the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in areas such as stabiliisng the China-Myanmar border, eliminating violence, and combating online scams.

“The AA will continue to stand firm and steadfast in achieving the desired political goals of all oppressed Myanmar people and will continue to stand as the best brother and friend of the ethnic brothers in Myanmar,” the statement said.

Amid intense fighting in Arakan State, the AA held talks with Chinese officials in Tengchong, China, on December 1. The AA delegation was led by AA deputy chief Dr. Nyo Twan Awng. Neither side has released details about the meeting.

The AA issued its statement on Sunday after confirming that it had take full control of Gwa Town on December 29.

To date, the AA has captured 14 townships in Arakan State as well as Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State since the latest fighting with the Myanmar military began in November 2023. 

The AA has indicated that it intends to continue to fight to capture the remaining Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung townships in Arakan State. Currently, the AA is attacking military camps in Sittwe Township, resulting in intense clashes between the military and the ethnic armed group.

“If the regime does not accept the AA’s offer, the AA can use force to attack Kyaukphyu and Sittwe. The AA troops can reach the Ayeyarwady and Magway regions,” said an Arakanese political analyst.

The AA has stated that it fully believes that the offensive that began in November 2023 is primarily aimed at the liberation of all ethnic groups in Arakan State and the aspirations of the entire Arakanese people, and will also directly contribute to the liberation of all oppressed Myanmar people from the military dictatorship.

The AA is carrying out governance tasks such as administration, security, regional development and healthcare in the towns and villages under its control.

The United League of Arakan/Arakkha Army (ULA/AA) issued a statement on December 29 saying it welcomes and will cooperate with foreign investment projects in Arakan State as long as they benefit the state’s people.