A detained Myanmar junta brigadier general has called on military personnel in Rakhine State to surrender to the Arakan Army (AA), citing "incompetent" leadership and urging an end to unnecessary deaths.
Brigadier General Kyaw Kyaw Than, chief of staff in Ann Township, was captured by the AA during their recent offensive, which seized control of Maungdaw, Taungup, and Ann townships—key areas hosting the junta’s Western Command.
In a video released on Thursday, the captured general criticized the Myanmar military leadership for delayed reinforcements, leaving his troops without adequate food, ammunition, medical supplies, or drinking water during the AA’s final assault.
“I urge my fellow commanders and soldiers, especially given Rakhine’s challenging terrain and the harsh realities of our recent battles, to stop sacrificing lives for incompetent leaders. Contact the Arakan Army, surrender immediately, raise white flags, and lay down your arms,” Kyaw Kyaw Than said, adding that the AA would ensure their safety.
The brigadier general, who had been stationed in Rakhine since 2020, was captured last Friday when the AA overran the Western Command headquarters. He reassured his family in the video that he was in good health and urged them not to worry.
Arakan Army’s Sweeping Gains
The AA now controls 14 of Rakhine’s 17 townships, leaving only Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung under junta control. Gwa Township in the south is reportedly on the verge of falling, with the AA already dominating rural areas.
Brig-Gen Kyaw Kyaw Than directly addressed Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, in the video, urging him to acknowledge the defeat in Rakhine. “Considering the lives and well-being of troops, I implore you to accept the loss and halt airstrikes and violence against civilians. Prolonging the conflict will only bring further suffering to military families and the public,” he said.
Junta Troops Defect
Over the past week, numerous junta soldiers, along with their families, have surrendered to the AA. The armed group stated that they are treating detained personnel lawfully, providing food, shelter, and medical care.
Footage released by the AA showed captured junta personnel being treated by medics and served meals. The AA reiterated its offer of safe surrender: “The sooner you raise the white flag, the sooner you can reunite with your families and celebrate the new year in peace.”
The AA’s strategic advances and the growing number of defections mark a significant shift in the conflict dynamics within Rakhine State, further pressuring the junta's already stretched resources.
