The Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group in Myanmar, has demonstrated remarkable success in controlling the largest territorial expanse within the country in less than twenty years since its establishment. The group has successfully liberated 13 townships from the military junta, spanning a vast region in Arakan which includes southern Chin State and Rakhine State. Their strategic plans aim to gain control over areas still under the Myanmar military’s jurisdiction.

AA was initially formed in 2009 by 26 leaders, including Commander-in-Chief Twan Mrat Naing, with the assistance of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). The organization began armed conflicts with the military in northern Rakhine State in 2015, which lasted intermittently for five years. After a brief informal ceasefire in 2020, tensions reignited in 2022, leading to further offensives against the military.

AA’s success lies in its leadership, organizational capacity, and alliances. They have learned from the failures of previous Arakan fighters and have leveraged these lessons to build a strong movement. The United League of Arakan (ULA), AA’s political wing, has been instrumental in this progress.

AA’s leadership, along with its alliances with other resistance groups, have facilitated its expansion within the country. The organization maintains a robust pool of young, committed cadres, who are willing to fight for the cause of Arakan. The support from local communities and the absence of competition within the region have also contributed to AA’s dominance.

The terrain of Arakan has played a significant role in AA’s successful campaigns against the military. The region’s geography, with its rivers and streams, has been leveraged by the AA for efficient transportation of men and materials. AA also benefits from a robust communication system, including internet access, satellite phones, and special transmitters.

In conclusion, AA’s strategic planning, efficient use of resources, and robust leadership have contributed to its success and territorial expansion in Myanmar. This development could have a significant impact on the geopolitics of Southeast Asia, making it an area of interest for potential investors and observers.