Arakan Army Aims for Full Rakhine Control

The Arakan Army (AA), a prominent ethnic armed organisation in Myanmar, has formally declared its objective to seize total control of Rakhine State by the end of 2027. This strategic announcement was made by the group’s commander-in-chief, General Twan Mrat Naing, during a ceremony held on Friday, 10 April 2026, marking the 17th anniversary of the organisation’s founding.

Current Territorial Status and Military Progress

Since the escalation of hostilities on 13 November 2023, the Arakan Army has significantly expanded its territorial footprint in Western Myanmar. Out of the 17 townships that constitute Rakhine State, the AA currently exerts control over 14. Additionally, the group has secured Paletwa in neighbouring Chin State, a region of vital strategic importance for cross-border trade and logistics.

As of April 2026, the Myanmar military junta maintains its presence in only three primary locations within the state: the capital city of Sittwe, the deep-sea port hub of Kyaukphyu, and Manaung Island. General Twan Mrat Naing expressed firm confidence in the group’s trajectory, asserting that they will continue to coordinate with allied resistance forces to dismantle the junta’s remaining strongholds.

Administrative Governance and Civilian Impact

The Arakan Army’s influence extends beyond military conquest into the realm of civil administration. In areas under its control, the group has established a functioning governance framework, including:

• Judiciary: The operation of independent local courts.

• Education: The management of primary and secondary schools.

• Healthcare: The establishment of community health centres and clinics.

• Public Safety: Local administrative offices to maintain order.

However, the transition of power has been accompanied by severe humanitarian challenges. In an effort to reclaim lost territory, the Myanmar military junta has frequently employed its air force and navy to conduct strikes. These operations have led to significant civilian casualties and the mass displacement of residents across the region.

Comparative Control of Rakhine State

The following table outlines the current distribution of control within the administrative divisions of Rakhine State as of April 2026:

Historical Context and Domestic Alliances

The evolution of the Arakan Army represents a significant shift in Myanmar’s internal conflict. Founded on 10 April 2009 in Laiza, Kachin State, the group began with only 26 members and a single firearm. Over seventeen years, it has transformed into a sophisticated military force capable of challenging the national army, known as the Tatmadaw.

The group’s recent successes have garnered support from across the anti-junta spectrum. The Brotherhood Alliance, of which the AA is a core member, along with the National Unity Government (NUG) and over 40 other ethnic armed organisations, issued statements of congratulation. These allies described the AA’s progress as an “inspirational example” for other ethnic groups seeking self-determination and the removal of military rule in Myanmar.

The AA’s 2027 target serves as a definitive timeline for what they describe as the “final phase” of their liberation movement in Rakhine, shifting the conflict from a guerrilla insurgency into a structured territorial administration.