A/HRC/42/CRP.5 Mission is also concerned with the Government’s increasingly unnecessary and disproportionately aggressive response towards those reporting on the military’s activities, in particular those highlighting human rights violations. 257. In June 2019, the AA reported that, between January and May 2019, the AA was responsible for 1,144 Tatmadaw casualties, 575 a figure that the Tatmadaw reportedly disputes.576 Credible information indicates nonetheless that Tatmadaw casualties likely number in the several hundred.577 Although the AA has not reported on its estimated casualties, credible estimates indicate that they may number over 100.578 258. The Mission also verified abuses by the AA, committed predominantly against Chin civilians. These include the AA’s use of forced labour, arbitrary deprivation of liberty. The AA also engaged in theft of civilian property. Some of these abuses may amount to war crimes. 259. At the time of writing, the conflict did not appear to be dissipating. To the contrary, the conflict has affected nine townships of Rakhine State and Paletwa Township of Chin State.579 The unilateral ceasefire declared by the Tatmadaw in other States on 21 December 2018 and extended until 21 September 2019 appears to have enabled the security forces to focus their attention and resources on Rakhine State. It is estimated that approximately 10,000 Tatmadaw troops are presently in the region.580 This includes the deployment of elements of at least eight Light Infantry Divisions (LID), namely LIDs 11, 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, 77 and 99.581 Some of these LIDs are notorious for their flagrant disregard for international human rights law and international humanitarian law. 582 The Tatmadaw have also deployed Border Guard Forces from Karen State to support its soldiers in Rakhine. 583 260. The Mission remains deeply concerned that the current situation, already grave, could deteriorate further, with wide-reaching and long lasting implications not only for Rakhine and Chin States, but also for the country and the region. B. The Arakan Army 261. Following its formation in 2009, reportedly as a small group of approximately 20 recruits, the AA grew rapidly in strength and capabilities. 584 The AA is a well-trained force that operates under a clear command structure. The AA’s proclaimed “Commander-inChief”, Twan Mrat Naing, has overall control of and decision-making authority for the 575 576 577 578 579 580 581 582 583 584 82 LI-187, LM-054, See also: https://bit.ly/2wOOLBb Min Aung Khine , “Military Reject AA’s Casualty Report, ” (The Irrawaddy, 12 June 2019) See also: https://burma.irrawaddy.com/news/2019/06/11/194437.html LI-187, LM-054, See also: Anthony Davis, “Why Myanmar is losing the Rakhine War” (Asia Times, 2 July 2019), Min Aung Khine, “Military Reject AA’s Casualty Report” (The Irrawaddy, 12 June 2019). LI- 187, LM-054, Anthony Davis, “Why Myanmar is losing the Rakhine War” (Asia Times, 2 July 2019). Confirmed fighting in Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myebon and Ann Townships, Rakhine State. The Irrawaddy, “More than a Dozen Soldiers, Including Captain, Killed in Clash with AA in Chin State” (8 March 2019), Anthony Davis, “Why Myanmar is losing the Rakhine war” (Asia Times, 2 July 2019). LM-035, LM-054, LM-187. See also: Anthony Davis, “Why Myanmar is losing the Rakhine War” (Asia Times, 2 July 2019); The Irrawaddy, “More than a Dozen Soldiers, Including Captain, Killed in Clash with AA in Chin State” (8 March 2019), The Irrawaddy, “Military Commanders Reshuffled in Restive Rakhine” (28 May 2019) , David Scott Mathieson, “A New War Rages in Myanmar” (Asia Times, 15 January 2019); Chin Human Rights Organization, “Tatmadaw Initiate Widespread Forced Labour Demands on Chin Civilians in Effort to Keep Light Infantry Division Stocked with Food Supplies” (News Release, 24 May 2019), The Irrawaddy,, “At Least 20 Troops Killed in Paletwa Clashes, AA Says” (27 May 2019). In particular the 33rd and 99th LIDs. See A/HRC/39/CRP.2 para. 1555. LI-187, LM-049. LI-187, LM-028, LM-035.