Arakan Army Claims Victory in Gwe Township, Killing Over 700 Soldiers and Capturing Weapons

The Arakan Army (AA) has announced a major victory in Gwe Township, Rakhine State, claiming the lives of at least 700 Myanmar military personnel, including Colonel Than Soe Win, along with other division and battalion commanders. The offensive, which began on December 15, culminated in the capture of Gwe Township battalions on December 29, 2024, at noon.

During the operation, the AA seized armored vehicles, a substantial cache of weapons, and captured prisoners of war, significantly weakening the military council’s presence in the region. The offensive targeted the 562nd and 563rd Infantry Battalions based in Gwe, with both battalions falling in a single day.

Additionally, the AA extended its attacks to other battalions under the military’s Southwestern Command and 66th Infantry Division, including the 4th Infantry Battalion, 214th, 215th, 217th, 36th, 38th, 93rd, 271st, and 308th Infantry Battalions. These sustained assaults highlight the AA’s growing strategic and operational capabilities.

This decisive victory marks a significant turning point in the Rakhine conflict, showcasing the AA’s ability to mount coordinated and large-scale offensives. It also underscores their intent to challenge the military council’s control in Rakhine State, further solidifying their territorial gains.

The success in Gwe Township has bolstered the AA’s position in the region, potentially shifting the balance of power and intensifying calls for political negotiations. Observers note that the military council faces increasing pressure from the AA and other ethnic armed groups as the conflict escalates.