Myanmar's Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence has announced an imminent "large-scale and robust military operation" in Rakhine State, codenamed 'Operation Hataw King'.

In an official statement, the Commander-in-Chief's Office said the operation was approved by the National Defence and Security Council to "maintain the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country."

The statement included an "Emergency Alert for Public Safety," warning that "coordinated airstrikes" targeting strongholds of the "AA ethnic armed group" will "begin shortly."

All citizens in Rakhine State were ordered to "immediately avoid areas occupied by" the group and other "areas of military importance." The military warned it is "extremely dangerous" to be in civilian areas during the operation but stated that "ensuring the safety of the local population is our top priority."

According to the announcement, the operation's primary objective is to "completely drive out" the "AA, ethnic armed group" from all areas it allegedly occupies illegally. The military cited "ongoing unrest, deterioration of the rule of law and prolonged oppression of civilians" by the group as the reasons for the offensive. The stated goal is to "ensure the normal life of the local population."

The announcement also framed 'Operation Hataw King' as part of a series of actions to ensure national security, listing past operations such as 'Operation Thunder Sword' in the northeast, 'Operation Iron Shield' to protect infrastructure, and 'Operation Peacemaker' for humanitarian aid.

The statement concluded by reiterating the National Defense Force's (Tatmadaw's) "firm commitment to ensuring the sovereignty of the state" and national security, warning that "Any act against the state will be severely suppressed."

BOB Post