NP News – April 24

It is reported that the armed conflict has been occurred between the troops of the Arakan Army in Rathedaung township in Rakhine State that left damages in state-owned infrastructures.  

The fire exchange occurring within the AA took place near the hospital staff housing area in Chaung Wah Ward in Rathedaung township on 24th April. 

The crossfire was resulted while the group of AA deserted soldiers led by an AA officer was followed by the ULA/AA troops, according to the Rathedaung residents, adding that 20 AA soldiers started the crossfires at the deserted AA soldiers near the hospital staff housing area in Rathedaung township.

In the conflict, hospital staff housing and other state-owned properties were destroyed. Therefore, the Rakhine State Government is unwelcomed for damaging public properties in the armed conflicts fired by the Arakan Army. 

“There were damages of the state-owned infrastructures and public properties in the armed conflicts raised by the AA troops. We will send official denouncement for the damages of public infrastructures,” a senior security officers from the Rakhine State told NP News. 

Armed conflicts were happened between the Myanmar Military and the Arakan Army in August 2022. When it came to late 2022, informal agreement was made for ceasefire between the AA and Myanmar State’s troops.  

The officer continued that devastation-oriented actions are not allowed to do on the cities in Rakhine State although armed clashes between the Myanmar Military and the AA were ceased. He commented that it is discrediting the mutual trust and respect between Myanmar Military and the AA. 

The senior security officer also said that some of the AA actions such as collecting money at toll gates on the Yangon-Sittwe Highway and collecting taxes from local people under different topics are not constructive acts for the regional stability and development of Rakhine state. 

He continued saying that “Of course, we can also open fires but it would lead armed exchanges in the town again. Because we do not want to destroy the already achieved peace and stability within the region, we have to take serious considerations on our every step and action.”