On 6 December, many people displaced by the ongoing fighting between Myanmar’s military and rebel forces arrived at Sinkin village in northern Kachin State. The conflict, which has been ongoing since 2021, has heavily impacted Rakhine State, where one of the latest battles took place. The military ousted Myanmar’s elected civilian government, triggering widespread protests that escalated into armed rebellion against the junta.
The Arakan Army, a prominent rebel group, claimed control of a key military command in Rakhine State, near the Bangladesh border, after two weeks of intense fighting. This marks another major setback for Myanmar’s military. The junta has yet to comment on the situation.
Growing resistance and tensions in Rakhine
The Arakan Army is part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, a coalition of anti-junta forces. This alliance launched a large offensive in October 2023, securing several notable victories along the border with China. In August, they seized the northeastern town of Lashio, marking the first time in Myanmar’s history that a regional military command was taken by resistance forces.
Rakhine, located on the Bay of Bengal, remains one of the poorest regions of Myanmar. Despite its offshore natural gas reserves and the proposed Kyauk Pyu economic zone, the region faces significant challenges. After a ceasefire with the junta collapsed last November, fighting resumed, and the Arakan Army has since made notable advances.
Rakhine is also home to Myanmar’s Rohingya community, a predominantly Muslim group. Some Rohingya activists accuse the Arakan Army of targeting their community during its offensive. This has led to tens of thousands fleeing to Bangladesh. However, the Arakan Army has denied these accusations, maintaining it does not attack civilians.
