Clashes intensify in Arakan State after Keng Tung Peace Talks

By Aung Htein 20 Sep 2019

Aung Htein | DMG

20 September, Sittwe

Regular clashes are ongoing in Arakan State after peace talks between representatives from the government, Tatmadaw and ethnic armed groups were held in Kengtung, Shan State on 17 September.

The Arakan Army (AA) attacked a military outpost of the Tatmadaw near Uyin Thar Village, Buthidaung Township on 19 September, said Khaing Thukha, Spokesperson of the AA.

“There are regular armed clashes between the AA and Tatmadaw. The Tatmadaw carried out artillery attacks on the Arakan Army near Uyin Thar Village last night. The Tatmadaw has launched artillery attacks on the Arakan Army beginning one week ago. In an attempt to defend against the Tatmadaw’s artillery attacks, the Arakan Army attacked a Tatmadaw outpost and fired warning shots at them,” Khaing Thukha said.   

Armed conflicts will probably continue to intensify if the Arakan Army attempts its push to establish a foothold in Arakan State, said Col Win Zaw Oo, spokesperson of the Tatmadaw’s Western Command said.

“The Tatmadaw is engaged in clearance operations. I can’t predict whether the number of clashes will be reduced or not. As long as the Arakan Army has its foothold in Arakan State, the number of armed conflicts will most likely continue,” the military spokesperson warned.

The Northern Alliance composed of the Arakan Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has extended its unilateral ceasefire until the end of this year, the group said in a statement released on 20 September. 

The alliance’s unilateral ceasefire extension is effective until 31 December. Earlier this week, the alliance announced a one-month ceasefire with the Tatmadaw from 9 September to 8 October.