Who is the Arakan Army (AA)?

Overview

The Arakan Army (AA) is an ethno-nationalist armed organization based in Rakhine State (Arakan) in western Myanmar. Founded in April 2009, the AA serves as the military wing of the United League of Arakan (ULA) and seeks greater autonomy for the Rakhine ethnic people, who form the majority in Rakhine State. The group's stated goal is to restore the sovereignty of the Arakan people and establish self-determination for the multi-ethnic Arakanese population.

Led by Commander-in-Chief Major General Twan Mrat Naing, the AA has grown from a small insurgent group to one of the most powerful ethnic armed organizations in Myanmar. As of early 2025, the AA controls 15 out of 17 townships in Rakhine State, including key military installations, demonstrating its increasing military and administrative capabilities.

The AA's rise to prominence has reshaped the dynamics of Myanmar's ongoing civil war, particularly in the western regions. Its growing control over Rakhine State has drawn international attention not only to its military successes but also to the complex ethnic dynamics in the region, including the plight of the Rohingya Muslim minority.

History

Formation and Early Years (2009-2014): The AA was founded on April 10, 2009, in Laiza, Kachin State, by a group of Rakhine youth leaders, including Twan Mrat Naing. Initially, the group trained and fought alongside the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and other ethnic armed groups in northern Myanmar, gaining valuable combat experience.
Expansion into Rakhine State (2014-2018): Around 2014, the AA began moving into Rakhine State to establish a presence and challenge the Myanmar military's control. The group set up training camps and started building a support base in the region.
Escalation of Conflict (2019-2020): The AA rose to prominence with a coordinated attack on four Rakhine police stations on January 4, 2019. This marked the beginning of intensified conflict with the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) in Rakhine State.
Ceasefire and State-Building (2020-2022): In late 2020, the AA reached a ceasefire with the Myanmar military, which allowed it to consolidate control over parts of northern Rakhine. The group focused on state-building efforts during this period, including establishing administrative structures.
Recent Offensives and Territorial Gains (2023-2025): Following the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, the AA resumed its offensive operations. In late 2023, as part of the "Three Brotherhood Alliance," the AA launched significant attacks against the military junta. By early 2025, the group had captured 15 out of 17 townships in Rakhine State, including the Myanmar military's Western Command headquarters in Ann Township.

Key Characteristics

Ethno-nationalist Ideology: The AA adheres to an ideology they call the "Way of Rakhita," which emphasizes the struggle for national liberation and the restoration of Arakan sovereignty.
Strong Local Support: The AA has garnered significant support from the Rakhine population, which has been crucial to its military successes.
Transnational Operations: While primarily focused on Rakhine State, the AA has demonstrated the ability to operate across borders, particularly in areas near Bangladesh and India.
Adaptability: The group has shown remarkable resilience and ability to adapt its strategies in response to changing political and military circumstances.
State-Building Aspirations: Beyond military operations, the AA has focused on establishing administrative structures in areas under its control, including public services and governance systems.
Alliance Building: The AA is part of the "Three Brotherhood Alliance," collaborating with other ethnic armed groups in Myanmar.
Controversial Human Rights Record: While gaining support among the Rakhine population, the AA has faced accusations of human rights abuses, including forced recruitment and attacks on civilians.

Key People/Actors

Major General Twan Mrat Naing: The Commander-in-Chief of the Arakan Army and one of its founding members. He has been instrumental in shaping the group's ideology and strategy.
Brigadier General Nyo Twan Awng: The vice deputy commander-in-chief of the AA.
Khaing Thu Kha: The spokesperson for the Arakan Army, often communicating the group's positions and claims.

Key Capabilities and Tactics

Guerrilla Warfare: The AA excels in hit-and-run tactics and ambushes, leveraging their familiarity with the rugged terrain of Rakhine State.
Conventional Military Operations: In recent years, the AA has demonstrated the ability to conduct more traditional military campaigns, including capturing and controlling urban areas and military installations.
Strategic Control of Key Areas: The group focuses on capturing and holding strategic locations, particularly border towns and areas rich in natural resources.
Cross-border Operations: The AA's ability to operate across national borders enhances its mobility and complicates counterinsurgency efforts.
Media and Propaganda: The group employs sophisticated media strategies to promote its cause and influence public opinion.
Economic Activities: The AA has developed significant financial interests in border regions, including involvement in timber, gold mining, and agriculture to finance its operations.
Technological Integration: Recent reports indicate that the AA has been experimenting with satellite communications and explosive-laden commercial drones.
Alliance Warfare: As part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, the AA has coordinated its operations with other ethnic armed groups, enhancing its effectiveness against the Myanmar military.

Outlook

As of early 2025, the Arakan Army's position in Myanmar's complex conflict landscape appears stronger than ever:

Territorial Control: With control over 15 out of 17 townships in Rakhine State, including key military installations, the AA has established itself as the dominant force in the region.
Military Capabilities: The capture of the Myanmar military's Western Command headquarters demonstrates the AA's growing military prowess and poses a significant challenge to the junta's control.
Regional Implications: The AA's control over strategic areas in Rakhine State could have far-reaching implications for significant infrastructure projects, including Chinese and Indian investments in the region.
Humanitarian Concerns: The ongoing conflict has led to significant displacement and humanitarian challenges in Rakhine State. The AA's treatment of minorities, particularly the Rohingya, remains a concern for international observers.
Peace Process Challenges: While the AA has made significant military gains, the path to a lasting political solution remains uncertain. The group's demands for autonomy or independence for Rakhine State are likely to be a major point of contention in any future negotiations.
International Attention: The AA's successes have drawn increased international attention to the situation in Rakhine State, potentially leading to greater diplomatic engagement or pressure on all parties involved in the conflict.
Economic and Development Issues: As the AA consolidates control over Rakhine State, its ability to govern effectively and address long-standing economic and development challenges will be crucial for maintaining popular support.
Regional Security Dynamics: The AA's control over border areas could impact regional security dynamics, particularly in relation to Bangladesh and India.

The future trajectory of the Arakan Army and its conflict with the Myanmar military will likely depend on several factors, including the group's ability to maintain its military momentum, its governance capabilities in controlled areas, and the international community's response to the changing dynamics in Myanmar. The AA's actions regarding minority groups, particularly the Rohingya, will also be closely watched by international observers. As the situation continues to evolve, the potential for both further conflict and opportunities for negotiation remains open, shaping the future of Rakhine State and Myanmar as a whole.