"While Myanmar's military government has clawed back territory elsewhere in the country, the AA now controls 14 of 17 townships in Rakhine, which is situated on the Bay of Bengal in the country's west and shares a border with Bangladesh. Flush from victories against Myanmar's military rulers, the rebel group has pledged to capture the remainder of Rakhine State, including the capital Sittwe, as well as a key Indian port project, and Kyaukphyu, home to oil and gas pipelines and a deep-sea port central to China's Belt and Road Initiative."
"The Myanmar military's blockade of supplies to Rakhine historically known as Arakan has worsened a crisis in which the United Nations estimates more than two million people face the risk of starvation. Earlier this month, the World Food Programme warned that 57 percent of families in central Rakhine cannot meet basic food needs up from 33 percent in December. Thousands of civilians are hemmed in the encircled Sittwe, which is now accessible only by sea and air."
Arakan Army forces control 14 of Rakhine State's 17 townships and pledge to capture the remaining areas including Sittwe, a key Indian port project, and Kyaukphyu linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The group's advances contrast with Myanmar military gains elsewhere and create a narrow window for a decisive offensive. The Myanmar military's blockade of supplies has intensified a humanitarian emergency, with the United Nations warning over two million people face the risk of starvation and the World Food Programme reporting sharply increased food insecurity. Encircled civilians face skyrocketing prices, restricted access, reports of social collapse, and allegations of abuses against Muslim-majority Rohingya, while law and order deteriorates.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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