The Arakan Army has branded Myanmar’s junta as “shameless” for designating the Brotherhood Alliance’s three ethnic armies as terrorist groups, thereby ruling out peace negotiations.
The regime on Tuesday designated as terrorist organizations the AA, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The designation came after China, which shares a border with northern Shan State, appeared to side with the regime by cutting off supplies to the ethnic armies and reportedly warning them to stop fighting.
The MNDAA and TNLA have seized control of almost all of northern Shan State in northeastern Myanmar, including a regional command, since launching Operation 1027 in late October last year. Meanwhile, the AA has captured over half of Rakhine State in western Myanmar.
The AA was designated as a terrorist group under the now-ousted National League for Democracy government. The Myanmar military removed the armed group from the list of terrorist organizations after its coup in February 2021.
Since launching its offensive in November, the AA has seized nine of 17 townships in Rakhine State: Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya and Myebon in northern Rakhine, Ramree in southern Rakhine, plus Paletwa Township in neighboring Chin State. It has also captured much of southern Rakhine’s Thandwe Township and Maungdaw Township in the north.
The military regime accuses the three ethnic armies of committing various terrorist acts including dynamiting roads and bridges, targeting heavily populated towns and villages with artillery and drones, forcible recruitment, and killing innocent civilians.
AA spokesman Khaing Thukha said: “The regime would not have issued such a statement if it had any shame. In Rakhine, the regime is a terrorist gang committing all sorts of crimes. No one considers them to be a government.”
The junta has suffered unprecedented military defeats since Operation 1027, which has turned the war in favor of the popular revolt. Junta forces have responded by intensifying targeted attacks on civilian populations.
“Maybe the regime wants to cover up its terrorist acts or its military defeats and diplomatic isolation [by designating ethnic armies as terrorists],” said Khaing Thukha.
Former captain Zin Yaw, who defected from the military following the coup, said the junta had made clear it had rejected talks and would take decisive action against the Brotherhood Alliance. But he doubts if the regime can turn the tide.
Other defectors and military observers share the same view. The regime has been unable to retake territories seized by the Brotherhood Alliance and will respond by stepping up its aerial campaign, they said.
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