– The AA, emphasizes its commitment to continuing attacks on junta targets until the troops inside surrender
– The international community remains concerned about the humanitarian impact of the conflict
Arakan News Desk: The Arakan Army (AA) asserted that the Myanmar junta is strategically withdrawing troops from northern Rakhine due to its perceived failure in the ongoing conflict.
The AA claims that the military is shifting forces from two hilltop outposts in Myebon Township to the south, burning down military installations in the process.
The AA, part of the Brotherhood Alliance, emphasizes its commitment to continuing attacks on junta targets until the troops inside surrender.
Meanwhile, Myanmar’s junta has sentenced to death three high-ranking officers who oversaw the surrender of a strategic town on the Chinese border to ethnic minority fighters last month, military sources told AFP.
Hundreds of troops put down their weapons and handed over the town of Laukkai in Shan state to the so-called Three Brotherhood Alliance after months of fighting that saw the military lose swathes of territory.
The surrender was one of the biggest single losses for the military in decades, and sparked further criticism of the junta leadership by its supporters.
After the surrender, the officers and their troops were allowed to leave the area by the alliance.
Another military source confirmed the sentencing.
Three other brigadier generals were sentenced to life imprisonment for their role in the surrender at Laukkai, the two sources said.
The recent surrender of Laukkai in Shan state to the Three Brotherhood Alliance marked a significant loss for the military, leading to the sentencing of three high-ranking officers to death and others to life imprisonment.
Despite the junta’s withdrawal from certain areas, it continues to intensify attacks on civilians in southern Rakhine, particularly in Ramree, where homes were reportedly incinerated by shelling and airstrikes.
The Brotherhood Alliance warns of the increased danger of landmines in the region, accusing the junta of placing them around its outposts.
The AA alleges that the military is resorting to “fascist terror” against civilians, cutting off access to transport, information, and commodities. Clashes persist in various townships, with the AA vowing to target all junta bases and outposts in Rakhine State.
The international community remains concerned about the humanitarian impact of the conflict, with the AA urging civilians to be cautious of landmines.
The situation adds to the complex challenges faced by Myanmar, as the junta faces resistance from ethnic armies and ongoing unrest.
As the conflict unfolds, the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire continues to be a matter of global concern, highlighting the need for diplomatic efforts to address the crisis in Myanmar.
