Khaing Lu Hla (Yoma Myay), Narinjara News, April 10, 2025 

Approximately 30 political parties, social groups, and revolutionary organizations sent messages of congratulations on the (16) anniversary of the Arakan Army (AA) or the AA's birthday, which is celebrated on April 10. 

The entities that sent letters include the Karenni Nationalities Defense Forces (KNDF), Chin Brotherhood, People’s Defense Force (Mandalay), Burma People’s Liberation Army (BPLA), People’s Revolution Alliance (PRA-Magway), Student Armed Force, Asho Chin Defence Force (ACDF), People’s Revolution Front, Way Army, Peacock Soldier Column, People’s United Front, Burma National Revolutionary Army, Burma Army, People’s Armed Force, Burma Liberation Democratic Front, Arakan Union (Japan), All Arakan Youth Organizations Networks (AAYON), Anti-Dictatorship People Revolutionary Army and Anti-Dictatorship People Revolutionary Army, Yinmabin District No. (30) Battalion, People’s Democratic Organization, The communications were dispatched by the People Independence Organization (PIO)/People Independence Army (PIA), United Kuki State Council, Interim Khumi Affairs Consultative Council, People’s Defense Army No. (29) Strategy (Irrawaddy), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the People's Liberation Force, the Middle Belt Defense Force (MBDF), along with the Mon Liberation Army. 

The communication issued by the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) stated, "April 10, 2025, signifies the 16th anniversary of the founding of the Arakan Army to achieve the Arakan Dream. We extend our best wishes to the Arakanese people in realizing their right to self-determination.”

It is asked that, because of the efforts and guidance of the leaders who initiated it as a small group of allies, the Arakan Army (AA) has gained strength today with the backing of the Rakhine people.

The communication from the Chin Brotherhood emphasizes that the tireless dedication of the people of Rakhine and the brave and rightful guidance of the Arakan Army (AA) have been acknowledged and emulated by revolutionary groups nationwide in achieving the political and military objectives of the United League of Arakan/Arakanese Army (ULA/AA). 

The Burma People’s Liberation Army (BPLA) also conveyed, “Currently, the Arakan Army holds and governs (15) townships and is persistently working towards the freedom of the entire Arakan State and the dismantling of the military regime across the nation. These remarkable accomplishments result from years of dedicated effort, the capacity to triumph over the challenges of the revolution through solidarity, and the capability to advance decisively under strong leadership toward a specific objective. The BPLA should embrace these strengths with appreciation and eagerness. 

In the message released by the Interim Khumi Affairs Consultative Council marking the (16) anniversary of the ULA/AA, it is expressed that “Our council hopes the ULA/AA will persist in its revolutionary struggle with unwavering spirit, sacrifices, and a steadfast commitment to revolutionary loyalty in order to reclaim the original rights of ethnic groups within the Union of Myanmar and to attain numerous victories.” 

In the congratulatory message from the All Arakan Youth Organizations Network, it stated, “The Arakan Army (AA) has devoted its life, blood, and effort towards the liberation of the Arakan region and has realized the hopes and dreams of the Arakan people. The All-Rakhine Youth Organizations Network expresses pride in you and all the people of Arakan.” 

The AA was established in 2009 by 26 young Rakhine individuals, led by Major General Twan Mrat Naing, in KIA territory, and now boasts an armed force of 50,000.