Kim Aris-AA Commander meeting seen as catalyst for revolutionary momentum

By Admin 06 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

6 September 2025, Yangon

The meeting between Arakan Army (AA) Commander-in-Chief Major General Twan Mrat Naing and Kim Aris-also known in Burmese as Htein Linn, the son of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi-could inject fresh momentum into the struggle to topple Myanmar's military dictatorship, according to political analysts and military observers.

Kim Aris wrote on social media that during their meeting, both sides agreed to continue working toward transforming Myanmar into a federal democratic country.

Maung Tama, a seasoned political analyst and former prisoner of conscience, suggested that this meeting could trigger a new wave of offensives in central Myanmar. He argued that rather than coordinating with Kokang (MNDAA) and Ta'ang (TNLA) forces, the AA may increasingly align itself with broader revolutionary forces nationwide.

"Just look at Sittwe and Kyaukphyu - the junta's troops have only been besieged and blockaded. It's not that the AA lacks the ability to attack, but that it chooses not to launch manpower-destroying offensives. The real final wave will come in coordination with revolutionary forces across Myanmar. Unlike the ceasefire forced on TNLA, UWSA, and MNDAA under Chinese pressure, this will likely be a coordinated offensive involving the NUG," he said.

He added that the Aris-AA meeting represents a "historical necessity," marking one of the key steps toward bringing Myanmar's military to its endgame. He predicted that calls for major offensives could emerge before the year's end.

In northern Shan State, the Kokang force (MNDAA) has halted offensives under Chinese pressure and has already handed back control of Lashio, while also facing pressure to surrender Theinni. Similarly, the Ta'ang force (TNLA) lost Naungcho to junta counterattacks and is now struggling to hold Kyaukme against renewed assaults.

Currently, the AA controls almost all of Arakan State, with only three towns still under junta control. Yet, the group continues to face challenges in consolidating governance and administration across its newly captured territories.

The AA has been cooperating militarily with revolutionary forces such as the Burma People's Liberation Army (BPLA) and Student Armed Force (SAF), while also maintaining ties with the Karen National Union (KNU). Analysts therefore view the Aris-AA meeting as a positive step toward broader revolutionary coordination.

An Arakanese youth studying in Thailand said: "It is already clear that our common enemy is the military dictatorship. To uproot it, everyone must join hands. The ability to cooperate is crucial. I believe this meeting will open doors for deeper coordination."

Meanwhile, the junta is scrambling to stage a hollow "peace process," pouring its energy into elections as the only political exit strategy it can claim.

Maj-General Twan Mrat Naing reportedly told Kim Aris that there can be no genuine peace unless Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners are released.

Writer Wai Hun Aung echoed this view: "Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is a deeply respected political figure. The Burmese people themselves recognize her as their leader. For the junta to keep her in prison while talking about peace or elections is nothing but deception. If they truly want development and peace, they must release Daw Suu and all political prisoners."

Despite its nationwide battlefield setbacks, the junta continues to rely on China and Russia to bolster its ground and air capabilities, retaking some territory with advanced weaponry.

Kim Aris later posted on social media that Maj-General Twan Mrat Naing's resilience and patience highlight the urgent need for unity across Myanmar's revolutionary forces.