Myanmar is in the throes of an insurgency on multiple fronts, where allied anti-junta groups backed by a pro-democracy parallel government have seized control of several military posts and towns.
It is the biggest challenge the junta has faced since it mounted a coup against an elected government in 2021.
A spokesman for the Arakan Army (AA) said late yesterday it had conquered Paletwa, a port town on the Kaladan River that is key to trade with neighbouring countries.
“Regarding border stability issues, we will cooperate at our best with neighbouring countries,” said AA spokesman Khine Thu Kha in a statement, adding the group will take over administration and law enforcement in the area.
A spokesman for the junta did not respond to a request for comment.
Reuters could not independently verify the AA’s claim.
The fall of Paletwa in the west comes after another rebel group in the Three Brotherhood Alliance took Laukkai town in Shan state on the border with China.
Last week, the junta agreed a ceasefire with that group, the TNLA, for the region bordering China.
The talks were held in the Chinese city of Kunming and facilitated by Chinese officials.
But yesterday, the rebel alliance said junta forces are breaching the ceasefire agreement, launching attacks in several townships in Shan state.
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