Rakhine, Sep 08 (V7N)- The Arakan Army, an armed insurgent group in Myanmar, has captured a key naval base in Rakhine state after nearly a month of intense fighting with the country's junta government forces. The base, known as the Central Naval Diving and Salvage Depot (CNDSD), located near the southern Rakhine city of Thane, fell into the hands of the Arakan Army on Thursday.

This marks the first time the Arakan Army has successfully taken control of a naval base, signalling a significant escalation in their ongoing battle for control over Rakhine State. The insurgent group, which resumed its fight to establish authority over the region almost a year ago, began its offensive to capture the naval base on 7 August. 

The conflict around the base saw fierce battles, with the Arakan Army launching attacks from nearby villages, while the junta forces responded with the support of the regular army, naval forces, and airstrikes. Despite these efforts, the junta ultimately lost control of the base.

The Arakan Army claims that more than 400 junta soldiers were killed during the fighting, and a large stockpile of arms and ammunition was seized. 

The Arakan Army has now taken control of most of Rakhine State as part of its ongoing armed struggle. The International Crisis Group (ICG) has warned that the Arakan Army could soon become the de facto governing authority of the region. In its latest report, the ICG predicts the establishment of a proto-state along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, where the Arakan Army aims to consolidate power by the end of 2023.

The report also highlights that the Myanmar junta is now leveraging the Muslim Rohingya population in a bid to counter the growing influence of the Arakan Army. 

“The Arakan Army will likely emerge as the de facto governing authority of Rakhine State, and outside authorities will have to decide how to engage with it, or whether to engage at all,” the report stated. 

This development comes amid an already volatile situation in Rakhine, which borders Bangladesh and is home to over one million Buddhists, as the conflict continues to escalate.

 

END/SMA/AJ