Myanmar Turmoil Deepens as Arakan Army Strikes Junta Stronghold in Kyaukphyu
- International Affairs
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 2 minutes read
The conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State has intensified once again as the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group, launched a major attack on the Danyawaddy Naval Base in Kyaukphyu on February 20. The assault marks a significant escalation in the ongoing battle between the AA and Myanmar’s ruling military junta, with potential regional implications, including concerns for China’s economic interests in the region. Kyaukphyu Township holds immense strategic significance due to its location along Myanmar’s western coast and its proximity to Chinese infrastructure projects, including the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC). The Danyawaddy Naval Base serves as a key military outpost for the junta, making it a prime target for the Arakan Army as it seeks to expand control over Rakhine State.
Heavy shelling and aerial bombardments were reported as both sides engaged in intense combat. The junta responded to the Arakan Army’s offensive with airstrikes targeting at least ten villages in the surrounding areas. Thousands of civilians were forced to flee as violence engulfed the region, raising humanitarian concerns. According to local reports, additional junta troops have been deployed in Kyaukphyu and nearby Manaung, with naval reinforcements spotted along the coastline. The military’s response indicates a broader attempt to regain control over areas where the Arakan Army has been consolidating power.
The growing unrest in Rakhine State has potential repercussions for China, which has invested heavily in the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port and oil and gas pipelines running from Myanmar to China’s Yunnan province. Any sustained conflict in the region threatens the stability of these projects, making it a matter of strategic concern for Beijing. The latest offensive by the Arakan Army underscores the continuing instability in Myanmar and the fierce resistance ethnic armed groups are mounting against the military junta. As clashes persist, the humanitarian situation is worsening, and regional stakeholders—including China—are closely monitoring the developments. The battle for Rakhine State is far from over, with both sides gearing up for prolonged conflict.
