Monthly Report | March 2025
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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The CAS is an independent, non-partisan and research-oriented group conducting research and analyzing issues related to Arakan/Rakhine affairs.
Monthly Report | August 2023
The Flooding, and Rise of Armed Groups’ Activities in Arakan Add Another Layer of Hardship
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Monthly Report | Febuary 2023
In February 2023, both tensions and relaxation could be seen in politics in Rakhine State. Tensions between the Arakan Army, and junta forces happened due after the junta forces' reinforcement such as military types of equipment, patrol and...
Center for Arakan Studies
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.
Center for Arakan Studies
Footsteps of China and India on Arakan in Post-Coup Myanmar
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,...
Center for Arakan Studies
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 | 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’.
Center for Arakan Studies
Monthly Report | March 2023
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.
Center for Arakan Studies
Monthly Report | Febuary 2023
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