In a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, the Arakan Army (AA), an armed ethnic group, has announced that it has taken control of the strategically important city of Paletwa in Chin State. The city, located on a major trade route and along the Kaladar River, holds great significance in the region. The AA, which is part of an alliance fighting against the Myanmar military, said it captured multiple military outposts and now has full control over Paletwa.
The AA’s claim of victory was supported by photos showing their soldiers posing with weapons outside key administrative buildings adorned with the group’s flag. The group also displayed captured weapons, ammunition, and military equipment. The Myanmar military has not commented on the situation in Paletwa, nor have there been any reports in state-run media.
This development poses another setback for the Myanmar military, which seized power from the elected government in a coup in February 2021. The AA, with an estimated 30,000 troops, is part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance along with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta’Ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). Together, they launched Operation 1027, a major offensive against the military in late October, and have since gained control of key towns and military outposts near the border with China.
Dr. Sasa, the minister of international cooperation in the National Unity Government formed by politicians removed in the coup, welcomed the AA’s capture of Paletwa. He sees it as a significant success for the Nationwide Revolution and the fight against the genocidal military dictatorship. The AA’s advance comes shortly after China announced brokering a ceasefire between the armed groups and the military in northern Shan State, although a similar agreement in December quickly collapsed.
The AA has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the military in Rakhine, seeking autonomy for its ethnic population. Its political wing, the United League of Arakan (ULA), took advantage of the military coup to extend and solidify its power in Rakhine. The fighting resumed as the military grew concerned about the AA’s increasing influence. Paletwa, located in Chin State, is situated along the Kaladan River, about 20km from the border with Bangladesh.
According to Nathan Ruser, an analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, this is the 42nd town to be captured from the military, with 16 still being contested. Additionally, the resistance has captured 25 battalion headquarters since the offensive began three months ago, marking a decisive shift towards offensive warfare. The military coup sparked mass rallies demanding the restoration of civilian rule, and in response to the military’s brutal force, many protesters joined forces with ethnic armed groups along the country’s borders.
The escalating violence has resulted in a high death toll, with at least 4,363 civilians and pro-democracy activists killed by the military, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The regime has also imprisoned nearly 20,000 people in its crackdown on dissent.
In conclusion, the Arakan Army’s capture of Paletwa in Myanmar’s Chin State represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict. This strategic city’s fall to the AA is another blow to the Myanmar military, which faces a growing challenge from the alliance of armed ethnic groups. The situation highlights the continuing struggle for democracy and autonomy in Myanmar and underscores the escalating violence perpetrated by the military against civilians and pro-democracy activists.
