The Arakan Army, an ethnic rebel group fighting against Burma's military government, asserts to have captured hundreds of soldiers after seizing a major military command post in Buthidaung.
The Arakan Army, the armed wing of the Rakhine ethnic minority movement, has been actively engaging in offensive operations against military outposts in the western state of Rakhine. The group recently released a video statement via the Telegram messaging app, declaring that soldiers from the military government's Operational Command No. 15 headquarters in Buthidaung township had surrendered following a siege.
The capture of the military base, if independently confirmed, could constitute a significant setback for the junta. The military government has yet to comment on the incident, and the Arakan Army spokesperson has not responded to inquiries from The Associated Press.
The fighting in Rakhine forms part of the broader conflict that has engulfed Burma since the military's overthrow of the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021. Despite its superior military might, the junta has faced relentless pressure from ethnic rebel groups and pro-democracy resistance movements.
The video released by the Arakan Army, purportedly recorded on Saturday, depicts Arakan fighters escorting men in military uniforms and civilian clothing, including injured individuals, accompanied by women and children. A caption accompanying the video identifies the captured deputy commander of the junta forces.
The Arakan Army has further asserted that the command post was captured last Thursday after a fortnight-long offensive. An additional army post was reportedly seized the following day. The group claims to have seized weapons, ammunition, and military equipment, along with the captured soldiers.
The video also features young men believed to be members of the Rohingya Muslim minority. The military has been accused of forcibly conscripting Rohingya men into its ranks in Rakhine under the newly implemented conscription law.
The Arakan Army and the Rohingya, despite their previous conflicts, have formed an uneasy alliance in opposition to the military government. The Arakan Army seeks greater autonomy from Burma's central authority and has allied with other ethnic minority groups in an offensive against the junta.
The success of the Arakan Army in seizing the command post and capturing soldiers is seen as a significant victory for the ethnic rebel group and a blow to the military government. It has also boosted the morale of other resistance groups and ethnic minorities opposed to the junta's rule.
