Myanmar's Arakan Army announces plan to take full control of Rakhine by 2027

Myanmar's rebel group Arakan Army (AA) has announced its intention to achieve 'final victory' in Rakhine State by 2027. The announcement was made by the group's commander-in-chief, Major General Twan Mrat Naing, on the occasion of the group's 17th founding anniversary on Friday, April 10.

"We will continue to carry out what needs to be done with complete confidence," he was quoted as saying, adding that the AA would also continue fighting alongside its allies against Myanmar's repressive military junta.

Since launching its offensive in late 2023, the Arakan Army has taken control of 14 townships in Rakhine State, along with Paletwa Township in southern Chin State. Only three townships in Rakhine State—the capital Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Manaung—remain under the control of the military junta.

In his anniversary speech, Twan Mrat Naing said the group has established administrative structures, courts, educational institutions and healthcare centres in the areas under its control.

He further stated that civilian displacement has reached alarming levels due to air and naval strikes by junta forces.

The AA began its major anti-junta offensive in Rakhine State on November 13, 2023. It is a member of the Brotherhood Alliance, which launched Operation 1027 in northern Shan State prior to that.

The Arakan Army has received congratulatory messages on its 17th founding anniversary from members of the Brotherhood Alliance, Myanmar's shadow government (NUG), the CRPH, and more than 40 other armed groups. They stated that the AA's progress reflects unity, sacrifice and determination, and serves as an example for other ethnic groups.

The Arakan Army was established on April 10, 2009, in Laiza on the Myanmar-China border with just 26 members and a single weapon. It has now become one of the most powerful rebel forces in Myanmar.