A captured Myanmar junta brigadier general has urged military personnel in Rakhine State to surrender to the Arakan Army (AA) and avoid further deaths under “incompetent” leadership.
This month, the AA captured three Rakhine townships—Maungdaw, Taungup, and Ann—where the junta’s Western Command was based.
Brigadier General Kyaw Kyaw Than, the chief of staff in Ann, was detained by the AA and has since blamed the defeat on delayed junta reinforcements in an AA video released on Thursday.
He said his troops lacked food, ammunition, medical supplies and drinking water during the final assault.
“I urge fellow commanders and soldiers, given Rakhine’s geographical challenges and the realities revealed in the battles, do not sacrifice yourselves for incompetent leaders. Contact the Arakan Army and surrender immediately. Raise white flags and lay down your arms,” the general said.
He said the AA would ensure their safety.
The general said he was appointed in 2020 and was captured last Friday, when the AA seized the Western Command headquarters.
He told his family he was in good health and there was no need to worry.
The AA has captured 14 of 17 Rakhine townships with Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Manaung still under regime control. The junta is also on the brink of losing Gwa Township in the south of the state, with the AA controlling the rural areas.
Brig-Gen Kyaw Kyaw Than called on junta boss Min Aung Hlaing to accept the Rakhine defeat, acknowledging the logistical difficulties of fighting in the state and the AA’s combat capabilities.
“I urge acceptance of the loss in Rakhine State, considering the lives and well-being of troops. Please halt airstrikes and violence against civilians. Continued actions will only perpetuate suffering for military families and the public,” he said.
Many regime troops surrendered to the AA along with their families last week. The AA said it was treating detained personnel lawfully, providing food, shelter and medical supplies.
Thursday’s video showed an AA medical team treating junta personnel, who were being fed.
“The sooner you raise the white flag, the sooner you will get to safety, see your families and celebrate new year,” the AA told junta troops in the state.
