Arakan Army has been rebranded as Arakha Army (AA) with anaim to represent all people living in Rakhine State, said AA spokesperson UKhaing Thu Kha.

"Arakha Army is a name that represents all the Arakhapeople living in the State. That's why we have rebranded it,” added U KhaingThu Kha.

In the message sent by its commander-in-chief general TwanMrat Naing on the occasion of 15th anniversary of the Arakan Army  on 10April, he used the name as Arakha Army.

When contacted by Narinjara News, the AA spokespersonconfirmed that they have  rebranded the organisation.

"Arakha is the word used to refer to the Rakhine regionsince time immemorial. It holds deep meaning and represents all the peopleliving in Rakhine State. That's why we have  chosen this name," hestated.

Now the members serving in the army will be named Arakhafighters.

Mentionable is that AA was established on 10 April 2009 in KIO/KIA-controlled Laiza town by 26 patriotic Rakhine youths. Currently,the revolutionary organisation has about 50,000 members.

As of now, the AA has taken control over nine townshipsincluding Paletwa of Chin State. The AA fighters are conducting offensivesagainst the military battalions in Buthidaung township as well as the westerncommand in Ann and border guard stations in Maungdaw townships.