ASEAN HEADLINE | AA says it has seized airport, bases in Myanmar’s Rakhine State

AA troops in front of Thandwe’s airport on July 5 (AA Info Desk)

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The capture of the airport in Thandwe and key bases in Ann and Maungdaw townships comes after desperate efforts by the regime to prevent further losses to AA forces

(FILES) A protester holds a poster with an image of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a candlelight vigil to honour those who have died during demonstrations against the military coup in Yangon on March 13, 2021. Myanmar’s junta is endangering the life of jailed democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi, her political party said on September 14, 2023, accusing the generals of depriving her of medical care and food during her incarceration. (Photo by AFP)

The Arakan Army (AA) released a statement on Sunday claiming that it has made major advances against Myanmar’s military in three Rakhine State townships.

The group, which now calls itself the Arakha Army, said that it captured several junta army positions around the town of Thandwe over the weekend, and is now in control of its airport.

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According to the statement, hundreds of regime soldiers from 10 different battalions died trying to defend the airport, despite receiving air support since the AA seized a nearby base on June 27.

The airport is a gateway to Ngapali, Myanmar’s most famous beach resort area. Many of the properties in Ngapali’s hotel zone are owned by senior military officials or their cronies, as well as by foreign investors.

The AA said in its statement that the fighting in Thandwe has been the most intense so far in its ongoing offensive. . .