How the Arakan Army transformed from a small militia into Myanmar's most powerful force

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 2009, the Arakan Army has evolved from a fledgling insurgent group into the most formidable non-state military in South and Southeast Asia. By blending traditional combat with state-building, they now control vast swathes of territory, challenging the central government's authority and reshaping the future of Rakhine State.

The Arakan Army (AA) was established on 10 April 2009 in Laiza, Kachin State, as the military wing of the United League of Arakan. Initially, its founders, including Commander-in-Chief Major General Twan Mrat Naing, struggled to find a viable path, having been left dissatisfied by other existing groups. After observing the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in 2006, they eventually secured training and began their own recruitment in 2008. By 2014, the group had established its own training camps within Rakhine State, marking a shift toward independence from their original mentors.

The group's growth has been rapid and strategic. In 2014, the AA had an estimated 1,500 troops. By December 2021, Twan Mrat Naing claimed the force had grown to 30,000, and by June 2024, he asserted that strength had reached at least 45,000. Today, the AA is widely considered the most powerful armed group in Myanmar, maintaining a network of support for other anti-junta factions. Their operational capacity is bolstered by mandatory conscription for residents over 18, requiring two years of service for men and mandatory service for women.

Central to their mission is the 'Way of Rakhita,' an ideological framework aimed at restoring Arakanese sovereignty and self-determination. This goal has led to a series of intense conflicts with the Tatmadaw, the Myanmar Armed Forces. Following the breakdown of a ceasefire in November 2023, the AA launched major offensives, including participation in Operation 1027. By December 2024, they had secured full control over the Myanmar-Bangladesh border. Despite their military success and claims of representing all people in Rakhine State, the group faces serious accusations of war crimes and human rights abuses against the Rohingya minority, highlighting the complex and often brutal reality of their rise to power.

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