The Arakan Army (AA) spokesperson Khaing Thukha announced during today’s press conference that AA now controls over 90 percent of Rakhine State and continues to advance according to their Arakhha path and military objectives. This statement was made during AA’s 10th press conference held on August 11.
Khaing Thukha confirmed that intense fighting continues in the battle for Kyaukphyu city, particularly near Police Battalion 32 and the Danyawaddy Naval Base Headquarters. However, he explained that specific details about the Kyaukphyu offensive cannot be disclosed due to military secrecy and the sensitive nature of relations with China. The ongoing military operations are proceeding according to AA’s strategic objectives and established Arakhha guidelines.
Regarding the military council’s planned election, the AA spokesperson announced that they will not allow elections to be held in Rakhine State. He emphasized that elections must be based on public support, and conducting elections without public backing would only create more complications for the people rather than benefits. He also noted that historically, elections held by successive Burmese governments have never benefited the people of Rakhine State. The AA maintains that the Rakhine people have shown no interest in participating in the military council’s proposed election.
While military council leader Min Aung Hlaing has announced plans to hold elections in December, both ASEAN and the international community have rejected this initiative. ASEAN has suggested that stability and peace should be prioritized over elections for the Myanmar people at this time. Revolutionary forces and democratic groups have also declared the planned election illegitimate, describing it as a sham election and stating they will not recognize its results. The military council’s electoral plans have faced widespread opposition both domestically and internationally, with various stakeholders emphasizing the need for genuine democratic processes rather than what they view as a military-orchestrated electoral exercise.
