The Arakan Army (AA) may halt its ongoing offensive in Rakhine State if the military regime responds positively, AA spokesman Khaing Thukha revealed to The Irrawaddy.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the AA reaffirmed its preference for resolving internal conflicts through political means rather than military action. The announcement came as the AA seized full control of Gwa Township, located at the southernmost tip of Rakhine State.
This latest victory brings the total number of townships under AA control to 14 out of 17 in Rakhine State, just 13 months after launching the offensive in November 2023. The campaign has seen significant setbacks for the regime, including the loss of its Western Command headquarters in Ann Township and other major defeats.
“To seek political solutions to political problems has been our policy from the beginning,” Khaing Thukha stated. “We continue to adhere to this policy and keep the door open [for talks]. Whether our offensives will cease depends mainly on how the regime responds.”
The AA’s current dominance grants it considerable leverage, as it controls several major Chinese-backed projects in Rakhine, including oil and gas pipelines and access to the Indian Ocean from China’s Yunnan Province. The AA spokesman reassured that these projects would be safeguarded.
“Regarding foreign investments in our controlled areas, we have already stated that we will provide the best protection for any investments beneficial to our people, and we will cooperate as necessary. There is no change in this policy,” he affirmed.
The AA also reported significant losses for the junta during the battle for Gwa. It claimed that Colonel Than Soe Win, commander of the 11th Light Infantry Division, was among several commanders killed, with around 700 junta troops losing their lives. Additionally, the AA seized damaged armored vehicles, weapons, and military equipment, along with capturing numerous junta soldiers.
Pressure from China has led the AA’s allies in the Brotherhood Alliance—the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army—to express their willingness to engage in talks. Beijing has reportedly been urging ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) to cease hostilities by cutting off supplies and closing border crossings.
Despite calls for peace talks from junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, the regime continues its military operations, including deadly airstrikes and ground assaults in EAO-controlled territories.
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