The Arakan Army (AA) has secured full control of Myanmar's 270-kilometer border with Bangladesh, culminating in the capture of Maungdaw Township on Sunday (December 8). This marks a significant victory after months of intense fighting against Myanmar’s military junta and allied groups.

The AA announced the seizure of Border Guard Police Battalion No. 5, the junta’s last remaining stronghold in Maungdaw, following fierce clashes with regime forces and allied Rohingya militias, including the Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA), Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), and Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO).

Reports indicate that the AA has detained Brigadier General Thurein Tun, commander of Military Operation Command 15, along with regime troops and approximately 80 Rohingya insurgents. The six-month offensive in Maungdaw has now granted the AA control of all three Myanmar townships bordering Bangladesh—Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Paletwa in Chin State, which also shares a border with India.

A military analyst emphasized that reopening trade with Bangladesh could alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State, where over two million people face the threat of famine due to the junta’s blockade of essential supplies, including international aid.
The AA’s expansionist campaign has been ongoing since the launch of Operation 1027 last year, resulting in the capture of large swathes of northern Shan State and most of Rakhine. The ethnic army is now targeting southern townships, including Gwa, Taungup, and Ann, as it continues to consolidate its hold in the region.
Analysts urge the Bangladesh government to engage in dialogue with the AA to address the complex Rohingya issue and stabilize the region.      

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