Arakan Army (Kayin State)

The Arakan Army (Kayin State) () (AA-K) is a Rakhine insurgent group based in Kayin State, Myanmar.

Background

On 23 June 2020, Thai authorities raided a house in the border town of Mae Sot (close to Kayin State), seizing a large stash of newly manufactured weapons originating from China. Local insurgents on the Burmese side of the border told The Irrawaddy that the weapons were likely being smuggled for the Arakan Army because "they pay good prices".

On 7 May, 2021, after the 2021 Myanmar coup, AA-K leader Min Tun announced that the militia had joined anti-Tatmadaw resistance, capturing the Oo Thu Hta military base alongside the Karen National Liberation Army.

Objectives

The Arakan Army's self-proclaimed objectives are as follows:

1. To gain the right to self-determination for the ethnic groups of Rakhine State.
2. To safeguard the national identity and cultural heritage of the Rakhine people.
3. To promote the national dignity and interests of the Rakhine people.
4. To liberate every citizen and ethnic group of Myanmar from the Burmese dictatorship.
5. To ensure peace and development for all of humanity.

See also: https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/sr_486-the_arakan_army_in_myanmar_deadly_conflict_rises_in_rakhine_state.pdf

References