Myanmar military pledges to 'eliminate' Arakan Army in Rakhine offensive

YANGON: -- The Myanmar Times reported that the Myanmar military last week pledged it would “eliminate” the ethnic armed group known as the Arakan Army following nearly two weeks of fighting in remote areas of Rakhine State.

The military, in its statement issued on Thursday, accused the Arakan Army of having ties with illegal armed groups in Bangladesh. “The Tatmadaw will eliminate Arakan Army rebels for the security of people’s life and property,” the military said in a statement.

It also reported the death of a battalion commander shot by an insurgent sniper in fighting that it said began on Dec 28. The military said other troops were also killed and wounded but did not disclose numbers.

Colonel Nyo Tun Aung, an Arakan Army deputy chief of staff, told The Myanmar Times they were expecting a military offensive. He said the group would defend itself but would not make its own attacks. He denied links with armed groups in Bangladesh.

He said the fighting would have an impact on the peace process, with ethnic armed groups planning to take part in a first round of political dialogue with the government and the military in Nayp Pyi Taw next week following the signing of the so-called nationwide ceasefire agreement last October.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/myanmar-military-pledges-to-eliminate-arakan-army-in-rakhine-offensive


-- Thai PBS 2016-01-11

Good opportunity for some "collateral damage" against Rohingya penned up in concentration camps there.