Myanmar Junta Reinforces Kyaukphyu as AA Nears China-Backed SEZ Hub
“AA [Arakan Army] forces have seized key junta positions along the routes linking Kyaukphyu to the Danyawaddy naval base and Made Island, home to a Chinese-backed deep-sea port and petroleum pipelines. The ethnic army is now targeting junta outposts near Police Battalion No. 32, located just under 5 km from Kyaukphyu, according to a source close to the AA.”
“Kyaukphyu is strategically vital as the starting point of the China-Myanmar pipeline transporting natural gas to China’s Yunnan Province. It is also the site of a planned deep-sea port and special economic zone under China’s Belt and Road Initiative – projects that would give China direct access to the Indian Ocean, reducing its dependence on the Malacca Strait for energy imports.”
“‘It appears the AA is attempting to seize the remaining junta-held towns, including Kyaukphyu and [the state capital] Sittwe,’ said a military analyst based in Rakhine.”