Arakan Army claims control of Maungdaw region in Myanmar after renewed fighting
thehindu.com — December 11, 2024, 06:01 PM UTC
The Arakan Army (AA) has claimed full control of the Maungdaw region in western Rakhine state, following intense fighting that began in November 2023. This marks a significant escalation after a ceasefire that lasted since the junta's 2021 coup. The AA reported that it captured the last junta base near Maungdaw town on Sunday, leading to the arrest of several junta soldiers. The area is strategically important and borders Bangladesh, with a population of over 110,000, including many Rohingya. The junta has not commented on the situation. The UN has warned that ongoing violence in Rakhine state could lead to famine conditions by mid-2025, as clashes disrupt commerce and agriculture.