Border News Agency
Mrauk-U, May 20

The Arakan Army (AA) has released several junta soldiers and their family members who had been held in Mrauk-U Township, which is under the AA’s control.

A total of 184 junta soldiers and their family members, who were captured during the battle for control of Mrauk-U, were released on May 19.

Previously, in February, the Arakan Army had released 314 family members of junta soldiers who had also been detained during the Mrauk-U offensive.

In addition, the Arakan Army released over 300 family members of junta soldiers from Buthidaung Township, which is under its control, on May 18.

Among those released were 69 individuals from 26 families of the Khami, Mro, and Thet ethnic groups, as well as 245 individuals from 81 Rakhine families—bringing the total number of people released to 344.

Additionally, the Arakan Army released over 200 family members of junta soldiers who had been detained during the battle for Minbra Township on April 16.

Earlier, on April 13, the group also released 170 family members of junta soldiers.

In the ongoing final phase of the Arakan war, the Arakan Army has taken full control of 25 townships, including Paletwa.

During the offensives to capture these townships, the Arakan Army reportedly detained over 10,000 individuals, including junta troops and their family members.