Arakan Army takes control of Ann in central Arakan State
The Asho Chin Defense Force (ACDF) announced on Wednesday that 12 military personnel, including a captain, were arrested after having fled Ann town. Sources close to the Arakan Army (AA) told DVB that it had taken full control of Ann on Sunday. Ann Township is 199 miles (320 km) southeast of the Arakan State capital Sittwe.
“The AA evacuated the civilians inside the town who had been trapped in the fighting,” one AA source told DVB on the condition of anonymity. Salai Khani Laybway, the ACDF spokesperson, told DVB that it is holding the 12 military personnel as prisoners of war in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Ann residents claimed that more than 20,000 civilians have been displaced from their homes due to the fighting since March. The AA has now set its sights on capturing the Western Regional Military Command (RMC) headquarters. The Northeastern RMC fell to the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), which was the first time in Burma’s history that an RMC had been seized by a resistance force, on Aug. 3.
China wants ‘dialogue’ in northern Shan State
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian called on both sides in northern Shan State, namely the MNDAA and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), as well as the military regime in Naypyidaw to engage in dialogue to “settle differences through peaceful means” during a press conference in China’s capital Beijing on Wednesday.
The MNDAA declared a unilateral ceasefire on Tuesday, stating it is now willing to engage in peace talks with China’s mediation efforts. “In particular, they should not endanger the security and safety of China’s border areas, Chinese people living in the border areas and Chinese projects, companies and personnel in Myanmar,” added Lin Jian.
Beijing emphasized the need to avoid an escalation of the conflict in northern Shan, which intensified on Oct. 27, 2023 when the Brotherhood Alliance launched Operation 1027. Beijing brokered a ceasefire between the military and the MNDAA and TNLA on Jan. 11, but it broke down on June 25 and fighting resumed. The TNLA said it was ready for peace talks on Nov. 25.
Rohingya women advocating for democracy and human rights
Noor Azizah, the co-founder of the Rohingya Maiyafuinor Collaborative Network (RMCN), joined DVB English News to discuss her international advocacy work. She was in Thailand for the Beyond Borders conference on forced migration in Asia, where she delivered the keynote speech on Nov. 1 about her work with Rohingya refugees in Indonesia and Malaysia.
“We need Rohingya voices to be part of the democratic process and we’ve seen the democratic process in Burma fail Rohingya already and we don’t want that to happen again. So we need to be part of the decision-making process and we also need to hold all perpetrators accountable,” she said.
Learn more about how she advocates for her community at the international level. Watch the DVB Newsroom podcast featuring Noor Azizah talking about the work of RMCN since its inception one year ago, available on YouTube or Spotify. Listen on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Audible or Amazon Music. Find DVB English News wherever you get podcasts.
News by Region
ARAKAN—A healthcare worker told DVB that at least three people have died over the last 12 months due to a shortage of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) medications in Munaung, Mrauk-U, and Kyauktaw townships. ART is used to treat patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Family members of HIV patients in the three townships told DVB, on the condition of anonymity, that the health of their loved ones with HIV is now in critical condition. Healthcare workers added that many HIV patients in Arakan are using alternative medications, which may not be effective.
MON—Residents reported that at least 50 civilians have been arrested by regime authorities since it implemented an 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. statewide curfew in November. At least 1,600 male residents aged 18 to 35 have been forcefully conscripted into the military since the regime enforced its conscription law, according to DVB data.
“We have been instructed to arrest people who violate restrictions such as two men on a motorcycle or anyone who violates the curfew,” a source close to the regime told DVB. The Mon State Revolution Force told DVB that young men caught outside during curfew have been targeted for arrest and conscription.
SHAN—Residents of Muse Township said that Burma-China border trade has been restricted but that regime authorities are only allowing livestock and perishable goods to cross into China since Sunday. Muse is located 108 miles (173 km) north of Lashio, northern Shan State’s largest town. “It is really difficult for people and traders,” a Muse resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity.
YANGON—Residents of Hlaingthaya Township reported that an administrator was injured by an unidentified gunman in Ward 11 on Thursday. “He was later transferred to the military hospital from Insein Hospital due to [his wounds],” a source close to the regime told DVB on the condition of anonymity. A military checkpoint was set up nearby to inspect motorists in western Hlaingthaya on Dec. 5.
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