Yaw Army Honors Arakan Army for Two Years of Support

News January 3, 2026

Yaw Army marked its second anniversary on January 2, issuing a statement expressing gratitude to the Arakan Army (AA) for consistent support since the unit’s formation.

The statement noted that the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) provided guidance, strategic advice, and support during challenging times, helping the Yaw Army advance steadily. It also recognized the Kachin Independence Organization/Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA) for political and military guidance, as well as the Mying Township and Magway People’s Defense Forces (PDF) for financial and logistical support.

Members of Yaw Aramy (Photocrd: Yaw Army Info)

The Yaw Army’s origins trace back to March 2022, when local defense groups united to form the Yaw Region People’s Defense Forces (YRPA). At that time, they sought political and organizational guidance from the Karen National Union (KNU). Due to local security challenges by the end of 2023, the forces formally established the Yaw Army on January 2, 2024, to consolidate operations in the Yaw region.

Over the past two years, the Yaw Army has engaged in battles across Rakhine State, Chin State, and the Yaw region, with 22 fighters killed and 31 injured. The unit has also honored members of the former YRPA who were killed or wounded in past operations.

Currently, the Yaw Army is part of the Spring Revolution Alliance (SRA), a coalition of 19 revolutionary units, and remains committed to nationwide resistance efforts and to the rights of self-determination of Yaw region.

Source@arakanbaynews