Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 6 October 2024

CDM Captain Zin Yaw stated that the people ofArakan State have lawfully expressed their intent to govern themselves byparticipating in both elections.

When Narinjara News reached out to Captain ZinYaw for information on the current military situation in Arakan State and itsfuture prospects, he shared his insights.

The recent elections in Arakan State clearlydemonstrated that both the military and the National League for Democracy (NLD)were defeated, with only the Arakan National Party (ANP) emerging victorious.It is evident that the voters want their state to be governed by the Arakanesepeople, he stated.

Captain Zin Yaw further emphasized that, giventhe substantial sacrifices made by the Arakan Army (AA) and the localpopulation, it is only through adherence to their collective will that they canattain their desired objectives.

The people of Arakan are seekingself-governance, and the Arakan Army (AA) has stood alongside them, makingsignificant sacrifices and enduring losses. It is crucial to emphasize that itis only through the determination and collective will of the Arakanese peoplethat they will be able to achieve their aspirations," he stated.

CDM Captain Zin Yaw envisions a future whereArakan is governed in accordance with the desires of its people, as articulatedby AA commander-in-chief Major Gen Twan Mrat Naing.

"In Arakan, the AA and ULA are committed to governingin accordance with the wishes of the people, as they have affirmed. The (junta)military will resist this at all costs. The AA has been in conflict with themilitary since before the coup,” he stated.

Captain Zin Yaw mentioned that at present, theArakan Army (AA) is in control of both junta military bases and theirheadquarters, utilizing strategies such as launching large-scale attacks atunpredictable moments.

The situation at the war front in Arakan is positive. Whilesome military activities have paused due to the rain in certain areas, fightingon the Arakan front persists. The AA remains operational on the ground as pertheir plans. It is believed that preparations for an offensive in Ann are wellunderway, including troop positioning, strength, food and ammunition supplies,and medical support. This sets Arakan up for a favorable military position.Following the battle in Maungdaw Township and the capture of Maung Shwe Laynaval base, AA forces and weapons are being mobilized. The AA's strategyinvolves launching large-scale attacks at unpredictable times," heexplained.

CDM Captain Zin Yaw also proposed that the AA may pursue anoffensive to seize Ann Town while concurrently conducting operations in Taungupand Kyaukphyu.

According to CDM Captain Zin Yaw, launching anoffensive in Ann could lead to a favorable situation as fighting is alreadyunderway on the Ann-Minbu road. He also believes that a battle to capture theWestern Command in Ann may occur soon.

The Arakan Army (AA) has occupied severaltowns: Palerwa in Chin State along with Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya,Pauktaw, Myebon, Ramree, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Taung Pyo, Thandwe, andKyeintali in Arakan State. In the remaining townships, all rural areas havebeen occupied, except for the urban areas.