In the ongoing conflict in Rakhine State, the Arakan Army (AA) has made a significant strategic gain by seizing the Maung Shwe Lay naval base in Thandwe Township. This capture marks a notable success for the AA, which has been engaged in intense fighting with Myanmar’s military junta. The naval base, previously one of the junta’s key strongholds, was reportedly taken on Wednesday, with AA forces breaching the base’s defenses after a series of coordinated attacks.
The conflict in Rakhine has escalated in recent months, with the Arakan Army making substantial advances. On July 20, the AA launched a major offensive against the Maung Shwe Lay naval base, which had been fortified by the military. Despite a strong response involving naval ships and airstrikes, the junta forces were unable to hold the base. Reports indicate that the military was forced to abandon the site following heavy casualties, including the deaths of some high-ranking officers, during the AA’s assaults on August 27-28.
This naval base seizure follows the AA’s earlier capture of Thandwe Airport on June 23, and their control over the town of Thandwe itself, which was secured on July 16 after an assault that began on April 13. DVB reports suggests that the fighting has also spread to nearby Gwa Township, located 80 miles (128 km) south of Thandwe. Currently, the AA controls ten townships in Rakhine State as well as Paletwa Township in southern Chin State.
The Rakhine conflict, part of a broader struggle for autonomy and ethnic rights, has seen the AA emerge as a formidable force against Myanmar’s military. The AA’s recent victories underscore the ongoing volatility in the region, where resistance forces continue to challenge the junta’s authority. In addition, the AA’s recent gains reflect the group’s increasing capability and influence in the region, challenging the Myanmar military’s control and altering the dynamics of the conflict.
As the AA consolidates its positions and expands its control, the situation in Rakhine remains fluid and fraught with uncertainty. The seizure of the naval base highlights the shifting balance of power in the region and underscores the ongoing volatility and challenges faced by both the AA and Myanmar’s military.
