Ethnic rebels in western Myanmar claim to have seized a crucial town along a major route to India from the military. The Arakan Army (AA), one of three armed factions initiating a significant offensive against the military in October, asserts control over Paletwa in Chin State. On its Telegram channel, the group declares, "There is not a single military council camp left in the entire Paletwa area." Myanmar's military has yet to respond.

Paletwa's developments, situated near the Indian and Bangladeshi borders, draw attention from Delhi, being part of a multi-million-dollar development project supported by India to enhance connectivity in the remote region.

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The head of the Arakan Army, Twan Mrat Naing, called on Myanmar soldiers to surrender Photo : Reuters

The AA, a relatively new but well-equipped ethnic armed group, has been challenging and gaining ground against the military in Rakhine State and neighboring Chin State for years. Even before the military assumed power in February 2021, the AA had made substantial gains in Rakhine, claiming control of 60% of the state two years prior.

While observing a ceasefire during the 2021 coup, the AA, in October, joined the wider struggle against military rule as part of the Brotherhood Alliance. It launched attacks against the overstretched military, achieving significant victories along the Chinese border over the past 11 weeks.

May be an image of 7 people and text that says "Operation 1027-3BHa #AA declares #PaletwaVictory !Seizing the last 'Hnamadar' & Khan Kha Taung,' Paletwais #SAC free. "Mee Wa" seized after nearly 2 years of attacks. Today, Paletwa is A-controlled. Salute Arakkha Soldiers for bravery, obedience and seamless cooperation. #3BHA #Operation1027 24K"
Photo taken from 3BHA X page

Last Saturday, the AA seized control of the last military post in Paletwa township, the previously impregnable Meewa hilltop base. With the port of Paletwa under its control, the AA commands road and water transport to the Indian border, establishing a logistics base for further attacks in Rakhine State.

The loss of key towns in Rakhine would severely undermine the military's authority. Airstrikes and helicopter gunships are reportedly being used to thwart the AA's advance towards Kyauktaw, a town crucial to linking the Rakhine capital, Sittwe, with the rest of Myanmar.

The AA's next move remains uncertain. It may seek to consolidate gains, minimizing further losses, as its leadership, desiring independence or autonomy within a federal state, appears to favor achieving these goals under a new, elected government rather than military rule.

Following Paletwa's fall, the critical question arises: Can the junta restore morale in its ranks and convince soldiers to persist in the face of opposition from various quarters?

 

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