It is assumed that the Arakan Army (AA), an insurgent group imitates the acts done by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army’s (ARSA), said Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo, chair of Tatmadaw True News Information Team, at a press conference in Yangon, on February 23.

Tatmadaw carries out counterattacks against the AA as it is unable to be patient with three points including the acts that may hamper the administrative mechanism.

“It is found that the AA insurgent group is carrying out attacks on police stations and temporary camps, mine attacks and pre-emptive attacks. These attacks are similar to those done by the ARSA. Now the AA carries out mine attacks even on Sittwe-Ann Union Road. Like the ARSA, the AA attacked police stations twice. The first attack occurred on January 4. The last one is an attack on Thandaung police station in Paletwa Township in Chin State. Another point is there are fights between Kyauktaw and MraukU Townships. It is found that the AA is trying to build base areas, hardcore areas and organizing areas. The Tatmadaw will make effective responses to these acts. The AA is trying to build the base camp in Rakhine State. Tatmadaw will not accept the lack of peace and stability caused by the AA,” he said.

The main point I would like say is the AA commits three intolerable acts. The first one is the AA’s hamper administrative mechanism. The second one is the AA’s acts may cause a heavy burden to and affect the people. The last one is transportation. The Tatmadaw’s counterattacks against the AA are aimed at restoring peace and stability to Rakhine State. In the past, Rakhine State saw peace and stability apart from the attacks by the ARSA terrorist group. It is found that the AA carries out destructive acts taking advantage of that point, he continued.