Myanmar's armed rebel group, the Arakan Army, has claimed full control of the strategically significant town of Maungdaw, near the Bangladesh border. According to a report by Myanmar's media outlet The Irrawaddy, the Arakan Army captured several hundred members of the junta forces, including the notorious Brigadier General Thurin Tun, during the takeover.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Arakan Army announced it had established complete control over Maungdaw. The group claimed that after two months of fierce fighting, they seized the junta’s last stronghold in the area on Sunday morning. The statement also mentioned the arrest of numerous junta soldiers, including the commander of the base.

A video published by the Arakan Army showed junta soldiers holding white flags as they emerged from damaged buildings, allegedly surrendering. However, AFP could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

The fighting in Maungdaw follows attacks by the Arakan Army on Myanmar's security forces in the western Rakhine State, triggering an escalation in hostilities. Maungdaw, a town with over 110,000 residents, is located across the Naf River from Bangladesh.

Myanmar's junta government has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the Arakan Army's claim. Earlier in May, the rebel group reported capturing the town of Buthidaung, 25 kilometers from Maungdaw.