Arakan Army (AA)

Reading Time: < 1 minute Also Known As: Arakan Liberation Army (in propaganda)Political Wing: United League of Arakan (ULA)Founded: 2009Base of Operations: Northern and Central Rakhine; Paletwa (Chin State); Western Sagaing (limited)Ideology: Rakhine ethno-nationalism; secular; anti-juntaObjective: Establish autonomous or independent Arakan state with AA/ULA as core governing force ➤ Order of Battle (ORBAT) ComponentEstimateNotesTotal Force Size20,000 – 30,000 fightersHighly mobile, dispersed structureFrontline Infantry Brigades5–7Battalion-sized tactical units; operate semi-independentlyLight Artillery & Mortar Units~200+ piecesIncludes 60mm/82mm mortars, DIY recoilless rifles, captured howitzersDrone Recon & ISR UnitsLimited (~10–15 drones)Civilian UAVs with basic recon and IED delivery capabilitiesEngineering & LogisticsEstimated 500–800Field medics, tunnel builders, resupply handlersPolitical Cadres & Internal Security (ULA)2,000+Administer local areas, taxation, population controlTraining CampsAt least 3 permanent, mobile sites in hilly zonesIncludes jungle warfare, sniper training, and IED instruction ➤ Capabilities & Tactics Strong battlefield cohesion; use of trench warfare and tunnel systems Able to overrun police outposts and light army