Fighting on new fronts in Myanmar

Myanmar's military government is facing its biggest test since taking power in a 2021 coup, with three ethnic minority forces launching a coordinated attack in late October, seizing several towns and military posts.

One of three rebel groups fighting for greater autonomy in Myanmar’s western Rakhine state is the Arakan Army (AA). It has seized posts in the Rathedaung and Minbya areas, about 200km apart, according to AA spokesman Khine Thu Kha.

A resident of Rathedaung said gunfire was heard before dawn on Monday, followed by hours of shelling, as Myanmar's military blocked access to the area and fortified administrative buildings.

Fighting also broke out in Chin state, which borders India, when insurgents attacked two Myanmar army camps, according to an Indian official and two sources with knowledge of the attack.

James Lalrinchhana, deputy commissioner of a district on the Myanmar border, said about 5,000 people from Myanmar had crossed into the Indian state of Mizoram to seek shelter from the fighting.

Chin state, which has been largely peaceful for years, has seen fierce fighting following a 2021 coup with thousands of residents taking up arms against the military government.

A coordinated anti-government offensive launched on October 27 in Shan State in northeastern Myanmar has targeted several towns and more than 100 military posts near the border with China.

Attacks on urban centres have also taken place in the Sagaing region and Shan state, while fighting in neighbouring Kayah state led to a fighter jet crash on Saturday. Rebels said they shot down the plane, while the military said it suffered a technical fault.

Richard Horsey, a Myanmar expert at the Crisis Group, said the Myanmar military had experience fighting in Rakhine state but could still face difficulties because the enemy knew weak points in many areas.

“If the fighting continues, it will open a new serious front for the Myanmar military government, which is already under a lot of pressure… It will be difficult for them to concentrate their efforts on all fronts,” he said.

Hoang Anh (according to AFP, GM, Reuters)

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