Narinjara News, 1 February 2025 

Junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has admitted that the Arakan Army (AA), in collaboration with the People's Defense Forces (PDF), carried out assaults along the borders of Magway Region-Arakan State, Bago Region-Arakan State, and Ayeyarwady Region-Arakan State. 

The remark was expressed while he was clarifying the national defense and security conditions at the National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) assembly in Naypyidaw on January 31. 

He further mentioned that the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kachin State, working alongside the PDFs, conducted assaults in the China-Myanmar border area, Bhamo area, upper Sagaing Region, and Indaw area. Moreover, he noted that the Karen National Union (KNU) in Karen State, alongside PDFs, launched assaults on the Kataiti area, Mepali area, Anankwin area, and Kawkareik area. Moreover, he stated that the Chin National Front (CNF) in Chin State, in collaboration with PDFs, initiated assaults in Mindat, Kanpetlet, and Falam townships. 

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing additionally asserted that the ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) exploited the nation's political turmoil to conduct assaults under the pretense of ethnic and political motives. Certain groups employed extremist rhetoric, rallied support within their territories, and partnered with anti-government media both in Myanmar and internationally to disseminate disinformation and propaganda. These synchronized actions were intended to provoke extensive violence nationwide at strategic moments.

The military junta has declared the state of emergency will be extended for an additional six months, starting from February 1, 2025. 

At present, junta troops and AA-led opposition forces are involved in fierce clashes along the borders of Magway Region-Arakan State, Bago Region-Arakan State, and Ayeyarwady Region-Arakan State. The junta mainly depends on airstrikes for protection in these areas.