Narinjara News, 15 November 2024

On November 13, 2024, the Arakan Army (AA) released a statement commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Arakan and Paletwa regional offensives. 

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The statement emphasizes the main points outlined below. 

(AA Expresses Gratitude to the Arakan Community, Allies and Partners)

The AA appreciated the participation of the Arakan people, as well as the support from the Myanmar people, allied organizations, partner organizations, and all those who backed the Arakan Army (AA) and the Arakanese people in the revolution. 

(AA Honors Soldiers and Health Workers Who Sacrificed Their Lives During the Conflict)

The Arakan Army (AA) honored the courageous soldiers who died in battles for camps and towns, as well as those who were injured, health workers who offered support, and everyone who helped during the year-long offensive. 

(AA Continues Efforts to Eliminate the Presence of the Junta in Arakan State) 

The AA persists in its endeavors to completely eliminate all junta forces in Arakan State, a key objective shared by both the Arakan people and the Arakan Army (AA). 

(AA and Its Partners Coordinate Attacks Against the Military Junta Throughout the Nation)

The military junta is recognized as a common adversary in the battlefield throughout the nation. The AA has engaged in battle together or one after the other with similar resistance groups, all striving for the same goal. The AA reported that guerrilla warfare, offensives, and battles for capturing towns are ongoing across Myanmar. 

(AA Has Managed to Seize Control of 11 Townships in a Year-Long Attack)

Between November 13, 2023, and November 13, 2024, the Arakan Army (AA) successfully seized and dominated all junta military bases in the Paletwa area, along with in Kyauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Ponnagyun, Ramree, Myebon, Pauktaw, Thandwe, and Kyeintali towns—accomplishing this within under a year of offensive actions. 

The AA took control of multiple townships in their attack, such as Paletwa on January 14, 2024; Pauktaw on January 19, Kyauktaw on February 13, Myebon on February 15, Mrauk-U on February 8, Minbya on February 26, Ponnagyun on March 4, Ramree on March 11, Rathedaung on March 17, Buthidaung on May 18, and Thandwe on September 5. 

Moreover, the AA managed to launch successful attacks and take control of strategic junta hill camps, both large and small military bases, and border guard units along the Arakan-Bangladesh border consecutively. 

(Battalions and Units seized in Ann Town, Hoe to the Western Command)

Several battalions and camps in Ann Township have been taken over by the AA, including:

1. 373rd Battalion of Light Infantry 

 2.374th Field Artillery Battalion 

3. No. 757 Electrical Corps 

4. 345th Advanced Ordnance Depot 

5. No. 8 Combat Training School 

6. No. 2 300-bed Military Hospital

7. Air Defense Forces

9. Military Intelligence Unit (SaYaPha) 

(AA will take control of the battalions and units that remain in Ann Town)

Included in Ann Township are the remaining battalions and camps set to be taken over by the AA : 

1. Western Command  

2. 946th Garrison Engineering Corps  

3. 371st Light Infantry Battalion  

4. 372nd Light Infantry Battalion  

5. No. 757/2 Electrical Corps  

6. 926th Supply and Transport Corps  

7. No. 9 Signal Security Battalion  

8. No. 8 Signal Corps  

9. No. 10 Military Police Division  

10. 919th Battlefield Engineering Battalion

(AA Continues Its Offensives on the Remaining Battalions and Units in Ann Town) 

The AA keeps initiating attacks on the remaining battalions and units, pursuing the junta forces who are fleeing from the taken camps. According to the AA statement, combat is ongoing near the Western Command in Ann. 

(AA is Conducting Ongoing Attacks in Four Townships)

Conflict continues in Ann, Taungup, Gwa, and Maungdaw townships, with total control nearly achieved. In Maungdaw Township, Maungdaw town is fully under control, and the AA is still attacking the 5th Border Guard Police Battalion (NaKhaKha-5), the last battalion near the town's edges. 

(AA Guarantees to Address the Needs of the People Sooner or Later)

The Arakan Army (AA) reported that the residents of Arakan are still facing significant needs during the ongoing revolution in towns controlled by the AA, as the AA strives to ensure stability and basic services while the Arakan People's Government carries out continuous attacks. The AA acknowledges these challenges and has assured to fulfill the people's needs eventually.