MYANMAR Arakan Army controls Rakhine’s border with Bangladesh, Rohingya still victims

Mon Dec 16 15:30:04 UTC 2024: ## Arakan Army Seizes Key Town in Myanmar, Raising Fears of Rohingya Retribution

**Yangon, Myanmar** – The Arakan Army (AA) has captured the strategically important town of Maungdaw in Rakhine State, Myanmar, marking a significant victory in their ongoing conflict with the military junta. The seizure, announced Sunday, gives the AA control of all three border municipalities with Bangladesh, further solidifying their hold on northern Rakhine. Fighting continues in the south of the state.

The AA, a predominantly Buddhist Rakhine group, launched a major offensive in October 2023, seizing territory previously held by the junta. Their success raises concerns about the safety of the Rohingya Muslim minority, many of whom were forcibly conscripted into the Myanmar military and now face potential retribution. Reports indicate the AA has already engaged in attacks targeting Rohingya civilians.

The Myanmar military’s strategy of using Rohingya against the AA has backfired, creating a new layer of conflict within the already volatile situation. The AA claims it is fighting against Rohingya armed groups allied with the military, leading to escalating violence against the civilian population.

The humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State is worsening. A UN report in November highlighted that two million people are at risk of famine due to a military blockade restricting the flow of essential supplies. While the AA’s control of the border could potentially open up trade with Bangladesh and alleviate some suffering, their capacity to govern and provide aid remains uncertain.

The ongoing civil war, coupled with the dire humanitarian situation and the risk of further violence against the Rohingya, underscores the urgent need for international intervention. Calls for an international arrest warrant for Myanmar’s junta leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, have been made, but the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. The future of Rakhine State, and the safety of its diverse population, remains precarious.

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