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Over the years, the rebels have successfully captured vast tracts of territory, inflicting significant losses on the Tatmadaw forces spread thin across the country. They control much of the rural landscape and significant border crossings with Thailand, India, Bangladesh, and China, but the military's defenses have coalesced around strategic urban centers.
The Current Battlefield Landscape
As we delve into the recent events of late 2024, attention turns to the Rakhine State, where the Arakan Army has emerged as a powerful military actor. In December 2024, fierce battles unfolded at a Border Guard Barracks, where Tatmadaw troops faced relentless attacks that eventually led to their defeat. This victory led to total control of the Myanmar-Bangladesh border by the Arakan Army.