Myanmar 

In western Rakhine state, the Arakan Army captures a military command, escalating clashes with the junta since November's ceasefire collapse. The conflict, rooted in ethnic autonomy struggles, underscores ongoing instability in Myanmar's border regions.

In a recent development in western Rakhine state, an ethnic armed group known as the Arakan Army (AA) has announced the capture of a military command, dealing a significant blow to the ruling military junta. This incident marks the latest escalation in clashes that have plagued the region since November, following the AA's attack on security forces, which effectively ended a ceasefire established after the military coup in 2021.

The captured military facility, identified as "Military Operations Command 15," is situated near the town of Buthidaung, approximately 90 kilometers north of the state capital, Sittwe. Although the exact timing of the capture remains unspecified, reports of ongoing clashes in the vicinity have been circulating in local media.

A video released by the AA's media channel depicted scenes of the captured site, showcasing a procession of individuals, including apparent junta personnel, being led through a field. The footage revealed men, some dressed in military attire while others in civilian clothing, accompanied by women and children. Notably, some individuals appeared injured, with makeshift stretchers being used to transport them.

Reports indicate that following a period of siege, the junta troops ultimately surrendered after facing a "final assault" by the AA fighters. Images from the video showed hundreds of individuals seated in rows in an open area, under the watchful gaze of armed personnel.

The Arakan Army, among several ethnic minority armed groups in Myanmar's border regions, asserts its struggle for greater autonomy on behalf of the state's ethnic Rakhine population. The region has a history of conflict dating back to Myanmar's independence from Britain in 1948, driven by disputes over autonomy and control of valuable resources.

Previous clashes between the AA and the military in 2019 resulted in the displacement of around 200,000 people. Additionally, the Rakhine state witnessed a brutal crackdown on the Rohingya minority by the military in 2017, which has since become the subject of a United Nations genocide court case.

Since the outbreak of hostilities in November, fighting has spread across 15 of Rakhine state's 17 townships, leading to significant casualties and the displacement of over 300,000 individuals, according to the UN's human rights chief.

The ongoing conflict in Rakhine state underscores the complex dynamics and enduring grievances among Myanmar's diverse ethnic groups, highlighting the urgent need for a peaceful resolution and inclusive dialogue to address the root causes of instability and violence in the region.