In the decisive battle for Arakan, the Arakan Army (AA) successfully captured up to four townships within December, bringing the total number of townships fully controlled in the Arakan region to fourteen.
The Arakan-Bengal border includes important townships such as Maungdaw in Arakan, as well as three other border townships—Ann, Taunggoke, and Gwa. These townships are significant both strategically and economically due to their importance in military and trade routes.
On December 8 at 9:30 AM, the Arakan Army (AA) successfully captured the Border Guard Police Battalion 5 in Maungdaw Township. This marked the full control of the Arakan-Bengal border and Maungdaw Township by the Arakan Army.
On December 14 at 4:10 PM, the Arakan Army (AA) successfully captured Taunggoke Township, where the Battalion 5 Operations Command is located. This enabled the Arakan Army to take full control of the Taunggoke mountain road.
On December 20 at 1:40 PM, the Arakan Army (AA) successfully captured Ann Township, where the Western Command is located. This led to the capture of the Deputy Division Commander and the Division Military Chief, along with other junta soldiers.
On December 29, around 12:00 PM, the Arakan Army (AA) successfully captured the 562nd and 563rd Light Infantry Battalions based in Gwa. This allowed the Arakan Army to take control of the Gwa-Ngathine Chaung road.
In the decisive battle for Arakan, the Arakan Army (AA) successfully captured and took control of Paletwa Township near the Indian border for the first time. This also included securing border townships and key mountain pass regions along the Arakan region’s boundary.
The only remaining towns yet to be targeted in the Arakan Army’s offensive are Manaung, Kyaukpyu, and Sittwe, which are crucial for maritime routes. However, on December 29, the AA also stated that it is ready to pursue a political solution to resolve the situation.
The people of Arakan have stated that the Arakan Army (AA) has fully captured and controlled up to sixteen towns within a year, and is now functioning as the administrative authority under the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government.
