The Arakan Army issued a statement on November 11 stating that they felt desirous of exchanging their abducted military related members for the civilians detained by Tatmadaw.

The AA investigated the passengers aboard three Shwe Nadi speedboats for security reason near Yaymyet village, Yathedaung Township, Rakhine State on October 26 in 2019. During the interrogation, Tatmadawmen, police and civilians were killed as Tatmadaw launched an attack with the use of three helicopters, the statement of the AA said.

Although the AA issued the statement, those who were freed from the AA on October 26 met with some media on November 4 and clarified those who were killed were not the ones attacked by the helicopters of Tatmadaw.

Those who were taking Shwe Nadi speedboats fled the scene of the clashes. Among those who escaped from the clashes, the AA rescued 25 civilians, Tatmadawmen and police. 25 civilians who are nothing to do with the military were already released, according to the statement of the AA.

The AA stated the names, ID numbers of and duty postings of 17 prisoners of war who are relating to the military. The prisoners of war have been kept in accord with the POW rules, according to the statement of the AA.

The prisoners of war of Tatmadaw are being kept in a proper manner. Similarly, the AA is hoping the civilians arrested by Tatmadaw for different reasons are being treated well, according to the statement of the AA.

If Tatmadaw frees the civilians who were arrested for different reasons and allegations about the links with the AA, all of those who were stated in the detainees list will be released by the AA, the statement of the AA said.

The offensives launched by Tatmadaw in Rakhine State still remain. The AA raised concerns about the prisoners of war who detained in the operation area would be hit by heavy weapons used by Tatmadaw days and nights. On the other hand, mutual trust is being built. If there are those who mediate in the armed conflicts, we have a desire to mutually release the prisoners of war, the statement of the AA said.

 Translated and Edited by Win Htut