Narinjara News, June 15, 2025

Nearly an entire military council unit has surrendered to the Arakan Army (AA) during ongoing clashes in Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State, according to reports.

The unit, a joint battalion from Division 11 and Division 99, consisted of about 70 soldiers who surrendered to the AA with their full arsenal, according to a military source affiliated with the AA.

The surrender took place in May when the troops, defying orders from their superiors, chose not to engage the AA. Among those who surrendered were both platoon and battalion commanders.

“A number of battalion commanders and some senior officers surrendered to the AA. Although the AA has not officially released their names, the surrender is confirmed,” the source stated.

The military source further revealed that troops from the 11th and 99th Divisions, which were mobilized to attack Mindat Taung—an area under AA control—surrendered without engaging in combat.

“This battalion originated from police battalion no. 32 in Kyaukphyu. When ordered to assault AA-controlled areas, they hesitated and ultimately surrendered en masse. I estimate there were around 70 soldiers,” he explained.

Earlier, the battalion had reportedly been attempting to establish contact with the AA prior to surrendering and eventually handed over their weapons and ammunition, according to military sources.

A family member of one of the soldiers in the Kyaukphyu-based battalions described the situation as chaotic and expressed concerns over the increasing desertion rates.

“They have blocked our phones out of fear that the soldiers will flee. They are under tight surveillance and are being threatened,” the family member remarked.

In late May, amid the fighting in Kyaukphyu Township, the Arakan Army captured numerous prisoners of war, including Lt. Col. Kyaw Lin Kyaing, the commander of Division (First Class)/Kapa-Ama-Kyi/37532.

The conflict in Kyaukphyu has led to significant turmoil among the military council’s forces; a brigadier general, who held the rank of division commander, was killed in action, while another lieutenant colonel was captured by the AA, resulting in widespread disorder among the troops stationed in Kyaukphyu.

Another political observer monitoring the situation noted that the AA is capturing junta soldiers attempting to flee from the conflict on a daily basis.

He emphasized that the military council’s personnel, under the assurances of the Arakan Army, would have the opportunity to preserve their lives and reunite with their families sooner if they surrendered under a white flag.

Reports suggest that the Arakan Army is also providing adequate food and care to those who have surrendered. (Photo: Old file)