21-12-2024 (YANGON) the Arakan Army has successfully seized control of a major military headquarters in the nation’s western region. The capture of the western military command in Rakhine state, confirmed late Friday, marks the second such loss for the embattled military government.
Following a fortnight of intense combat operations, rebel forces overwhelmed the strategic installation, dealing another substantial blow to the military regime’s grip on power. This victory follows the historic capture of Lashio in August, when anti-junta forces first succeeded in taking control of a regional military command.
The Three Brotherhood Alliance, of which the Arakan Army is a key member, has been steadily expanding its influence since launching a coordinated offensive in October 2023. The alliance has proven particularly effective along Myanmar’s Chinese border, where it has secured multiple strategic victories.
????”Today’s successes are not only the success of the entire people of Rakhine, but also the revolutionary organizations that are fighting against the terrorist military council. The Arakan Army announced that it is the success of the entire revolutionary people.” pic.twitter.com/0pppUlyZXW
— Arakan Kingdom (@Khinelon) December 21, 2024
The latest triumph occurs in Rakhine state, a coastal region that, despite its valuable offshore gas reserves and the strategic Kyauk Pyu economic zone—which facilitates vital oil and gas pipelines to China—remains one of Myanmar’s most impoverished areas.
The military government has maintained silence regarding the loss, with official spokespersons unavailable for comment. The setback comes amid broader challenges to the junta’s authority, which has faced sustained resistance since deposing the elected civilian government in early 2021.
Recent developments have raised humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding the Rohingya Muslim minority. Rights organisations have voiced concerns about displacement during the Arakan Army’s northern Rakhine offensive, though the rebel group denies allegations of targeting civilian populations.
Diplomatic efforts to address the crisis continued in Bangkok, where Thailand hosted two days of talks that concluded Friday. The meetings brought together junta representatives with regional stakeholders, including China, Bangladesh, and India, followed by ASEAN member discussions without Myanmar’s presence.
The military government’s proposed election plans for the coming year have met with widespread scepticism, particularly given the exclusion of opposition parties. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa emphasised ASEAN’s position that any meaningful electoral process must include “all stakeholders.”
