The Arakan Army (AA) has declared its intention to respond as deemed necessary, in response to the artillery shell explosion caused by Military Council troops targeting the Mong Lai Khat base in the Laiza region of Kachin State, which resulted in the death of one officer and injuries to several troops.At around 10:00 AM on September 28, an AA officer holding the rank of captain was killed, while several troops sustained injuries as a result of the artillery shell explosion.
"Regarding the current situation, the Arakan Army headquarters will take appropriate actions. Right now I have not received any directives from the headquarters," stated AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha to DMG."
On July 4, 2022, an AA camp located in the KNLA region of Karen State along the Thai-Myanmar border was subjected to airstrikes by the Military Council, resulting in the deaths of 6 AA members and causing injuries to numerous others. In retaliation for this incident, on July 18, 2022, the AA launched an attack on a Military Council troops column near the villages of Saung Paing Nyar and San Kar Pin Yin in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State. During this attack, the AA captured 14 Military Council soldiers.
The Military Council troops launched the firing of 120mm artillery shells at the AA base from their position at Khaya mountain. U Khaing Thukha did not provide the precise number of casualties.
The recent action by the Military Council in Laiza has the potential to erode trust in the current situation of military stability in the Rakhine region, given the ceasefire that was based on mutual understanding between the two sides.
U Aung Thaung Shwe, a politician from Rakhine commented, "Recently, the Military council conducted military exercises on the Rakhine coast. Now artillery shells are fired at Laiza. These actions erode trust. Therefore, if you ask whether military conflict can arise in such a situation, I believe it's possible," said U Aung Thaung Shwe, a politician from Rakhine.
Currently the Arakan Army (AA) and the KIA are engaged in conflict with the Military Council troops, who are conducting military operations near Bhamo and Laiza townships. The Military Council is not happy with this attack, leading to speculation of possible retaliation. On the other hand, Myanmar political analysts have suggested that based on the results of this battle, the AA may shift the focus of the conflict to a different front.
"If one side escalates its military operations, we can anticipate that fighting will extend to Rakhine, and Rakhine will undoubtedly become part of the Spring Revolution," stated U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political analyst.
Similarly, on November 19, 2014, a tragic event unfolded when Military Council troops fired artillery shells at a cadet training school near the KIA headquarters in Laiza. This incident claimed the lives of 23 cadets, including 8 AA cadets who were among the casualties.
