15-11-2023 (YANGON) A rebel group in Myanmar reported on Wednesday that dozens of members of the country’s security forces have either surrendered or been captured as insurgent groups intensify their coordinated offensive against the junta in various parts of Myanmar.
According to the Arakan Army (AA), at least 28 policemen have surrendered and handed over their weapons, while 10 soldiers have been arrested. The AA, which is fighting for autonomy in Rakhine State in western Myanmar, is one of three ethnic minority insurgent groups that launched a synchronized offensive against junta forces in late October.
Reuters was unable to independently verify the information provided by the AA. However, the group’s actions have resulted in the capture of several towns and military posts, including along the border with China. This ongoing campaign presents the junta with its most significant challenge since seizing power in a coup earlier this year, which ousted the elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
The authorities in the Rakhine State capital of Sittwe have implemented a curfew, and military tanks have been observed in the area, according to the local administration.
Responding to the rebel groups’ advances, junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun accused them of “destroying the whole country” and dismissed reports of captured military posts as propaganda. He stated that the enemies had retreated after suffering losses, while the junta was strategically consolidating smaller posts.
Zaw Min Tun acknowledged ongoing fighting in Shan, Rakhine, and Kayah states but did not comment on the reports of junta forces surrendering.
In addition to the clashes in various states, fighting has also erupted in Chin State in the northwest. Following a rebel attack, 43 Myanmar soldiers crossed into the Indian state of Mizoram, according to a police official in Mizoram. Indian forces then airlifted most of the soldiers to another point along the border and handed them over to Myanmar authorities, as confirmed by an Indian security official who chose to remain anonymous.
Last week, Myanmar’s military-appointed president warned that the country was at risk of fragmentation due to the ineffective response to the rebellion by what the generals label as “terrorists.”
The military has long asserted that it is the only institution capable of maintaining unity within Myanmar’s diverse population. However, critics of military rule dismiss this claim and instead advocate for a democratic, federal system.
