On 7 March, the Arakan Army (AA) declared its collaboration with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in offensive operations against the Myanmar military in Kachin State, as well as continuing its ongoing assaults aimed at seizing remaining junta posts in Rakhine State.
According to the AA, the KIA and their allied forces simultaneously launched attacks on several military encampments near Laiza and along the eastern side of the Myitkyina-Bhamo highway in Kachin State.
The AA reportedly joined the KIA’s offensive engagements starting at 6 am on 7 March in Kachin State, while also initiating separate offensives in other areas.
The KIA and its allies targeted approximately 12 military outposts, including the Shwe Nyaung Pin Light Infantry Battalion (321) in Waingmaw Township, Numlang LIB-438, Kunglaw camp in Momauk Township, and the mountain camps of Hkaya Bum, Bum Re Bum, and Hpun Pyen Bum near the KIO’s Laiza headquarters.
Simultaneously, on 7 March, the AA initiated offensive operations targeting junta installations such as Infantry Battalion (103), Point (259) airport camp, and Ntap Bum camp in Momauk Township, Kachin State.
As an ally of the KIA, the AA’s offensive actions are strategically aligned with the KIA’s efforts to weaken their mutual adversary, the Myanmar junta. Consequently, the KIA’s offensive maneuvers in Kachin State can be interpreted as indirect support for the AA’s offensives in Rakhine State.
While armed confrontations have ceased in northern Shan State following recent ceasefire negotiations facilitated by China, conflicts have intensified in Rakhine State, Chin State, Karenni State, Sagaing Region, and Magway Region.
In Kachin State, clashes have recently escalated in Hpakant, Myitkyina, Waingmaw, and Bhamo Townships.
According to an AA statement, in Rakhine State, ongoing attacks on the Military Council’s remaining encampments persist in Rathedaung, Buthidaung, and Maungdaw townships.
Despite the substantial presence of the junta army, navy, and air force supporting Light Infantry Battalions (536), (537), and (538) stationed in Rathedaung Township, reports suggest that the AA is striving to achieve complete control.
The conflict in Rakhine state commenced in November 2023, and within a span of just over three months, the AA managed to seize control of seven towns.