Myanmar rebels claim control of port town near India border

The Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group in western Myanmar’s Rakhine state, has declared control over the port town of Paletwa, a development which marks another setback for the military government, which is currently grappling with rebellions across various regions of the country. Myanmar is currently witnessing a multifaceted insurgency, where anti-junta groups, supported by a pro-democracy parallel government, have managed to gain control of numerous military installations and towns. This uprising poses the most significant challenge to the junta since its coup against the elected government in 2021. A spokesperson for the Arakan Army (AA) revealed on Sunday that they had seized control of Paletwa, a strategically important port town on the Kaladan River, crucial for trade with neighboring countries. “Regarding border stability issues, we will cooperate at our best with neighbouring countries,” Reuters quoted AA spokesperson Khine Thu Kha in a statement, adding the group will take over administration and law enforcement in the area. A spokesperson 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 on the in northern 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 on Sunday, the rebel alliance said junta forces are breaching the ceasefire agreement, launching attacks in several townships in Shan State. With inputs from agencies