Monthly Report • April 9th 2025 • Center for Arakan Studies

# Monthly Report | March 2025

Photo Credit- APM via Western News

# Governance, Ground Gains, and Growing Crises

Monitoring of a brief situation of political tension, economic issues, social issues, and humanitarian issues in Western Myanmar in March 2025.

### About report

This report is part of the CAS's monthly series, which delves into four key areas of the state of Arakan. The first section addresses political concerns, including the armed revolution, junta activities, and issues of political freedom. The second examines the state's economic climate, focusing on rising prices, declining demand, foreign direct investment, and border trade. The third and fourth sections cover social and humanitarian issues, respectively; these include education, health, migration, and the internally displaced persons (IDP) population.

### Key Remarks: A. Politics and Armed Conflicts

- Junta Airstrikes in Kyaukphyu: Junta drone strikes and airstrikes targeted Kyaukphyu, hitting Sane Cottage Hospital on March 10, destroying 20 homes in Kap Tha Pyay Village on March 11, and bombing Kyat Tin Village five times by March 14. On March 31, a monk and a civilian were killed, reflecting intensified attacks amid clashes with the AA near the Dhanyawadi Naval Base.

- AA’s Territorial Advances: Media reported that the AA had seized over 48 junta bases as of March 8 across townships such as Maungdaw and Minbya, sealed cronies’ properties in Maungdaw on March 4, and secured hills near Nat Yae Kan Command by March 11 (unconfirmed). On March 15, media claimed that the AA chief’s objectives had been met early, indicating strong territorial gains.

- Civilian Harm by Junta: The junta executed a Sittwe resident for AA tattoos on March 4. By March 12, 45 civilians had been reported executed in Rakhine over two months. A March 27 airstrike in Ponnagyun killed five people and injured 12, including children. By March 31, 106 civilians had been killed and 134 wounded in Rakhine.

- General Information: In March 2025, Rakhine State saw heavy conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and the junta, with significant civilian impact. Junta airstrikes and drone attacks targeted Kyaukphyu, Sittwe, and Ponnagyun, damaging homes and hospitals and killing 106 civilians by March 31, including five killed in a Ponnagyun airstrike on March 27. The AA captured over 48 junta bases, sealed properties in multiple townships, and cleared landmines in Ann for civilian safety. Governance efforts included fire-prevention measures and fuel bans by the AA. The junta planned elections for December or January, but violence persisted, with 330 people detained in Maungdaw and Buthidaung. Landmine injuries and an earthquake on March 31 worsened conditions, while the AA released Bangladeshi fishermen amid tensions with ARSA, reflecting a volatile mix of conflict and humanitarian crises.

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Monthly Report • September 17th 2023

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Monthly Report • March 6th 2023

## Monthly Report | Febuary 2023

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Issue Brief • June 15th 2023

## The Investments of China and India in Rakhine State: The Perspectives of Rakhine Stakeholders on Ground in Post-Coup Myanmar

Rakhine State is an attractive location for foreign direct investment (FDI) due to several compelling factors. Firstly, its strategic position along the Bay of Bengal makes it a geostrategic hub for business ventures. Additionally, the region is endowed with abundant natural resources, breathtaking beaches, and fascinating cultural and historical sites, which make it a prime destination for investment in tourism, mining, and other related industries.

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Isue Brief • April 14th 2023

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While the junta’s forces and Arakan Army (AA) are now in an informal truce, the news of the registration of the political parties in Rakhine have become more prominent in March. As the twoarmed parties are in a lack of trust toward each other,...

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Monthly Report • August 17th 2023

## Monthly Report | July 2023

Political Tensions Among Different Parties in Arakan Grow

This report is a part of the monthly report series by the CAS. The report usually covers four key areas happening in the state of Rakhine. The first part covers the politics concerning the armed revolution, the junta activities and political freedom, etc.

### Center for Arakan Studies

Monthly Report • June 16th 2023

## Monthly Report | May 2023

Response to Cyclone Mocha in Rakhine State

This report aims to provide an update and comprehensive information regarding the strike of Cyclone Mocha on the coast of Arakan on May 14, 2o23. But, as it is released as a part of the ‘Monthly Report’, the content of the work will only cover the cyclone-related information during the month of ‘May’.

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Monthly Report • April 7th 2023

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While the junta’s forces and Arakan Army (AA) are now in an informal truce, the news of the registration of the political parties in Rakhine have become more prominent in March.

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Monthly Report • March 6th 2023

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