The Arakan Army (AA) announced its control over the island town of Ramree in southern Rakhine State after nearly three months of intense fighting.
The town shares an island with Kyaukphyu Township, where the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port is a key project developed by the Kyaukphyu SEZ Deep Seaport Co Ltd.
This joint venture involves the China International Trust and Investment Corporation Group’s Myanmar Port Investment Co and the junta-backed Kyaukphyu SEZ Management Committee, The Irrawaddy reported.
Ramree’s strategic location is near the major Chinese Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and is crucial for the 1,700km-long China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, connecting Yunnan province to the Indian Ocean as part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative.
Despite the junta’s efforts to fortify Kyaukphyu Township, including deploying troops and conducting airstrikes, the AA reportedly gained control of Ramree on Monday. The Myanmar military has not issued any official statement on the matter.
The clashes in Ramree, which commenced in mid-December, have resulted in significant damage to public infrastructure, including hospitals, markets, schools, and religious buildings.
The AA, in a statement, urged residents to delay their return to the town due to the presence of landmines and explosives planted by junta troops over the past three months. The AA claims to be pursuing and detaining junta troops who fled the area.
The AA’s control of Ramree adds to its series of successes, having seized around 180 junta strongholds and approximately nine towns since November 13, 2023.
The recent clashes in Maungdaw Township and the reported escape of over 177 regime personnel across the Bangladeshi border highlight the ongoing volatility in the region.
Additionally, reports indicate that the junta has initiated the forcible recruitment and training of Rohingya individuals in Rakhine State, signaling a concerning turn of events.
