Arakan Army adnaces in Myanmar; Military mobilizes at US border

Tech spotlight: the Patria 6x6

24 Jan • Estimated read time: 5 minutes

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — JAN 24 2025

Today’s email brings you news from Myanmar and the US.

1 - MYANMAR

1 thing to know

The Arakan Army (AA) is rapidly advancing in Myanmar, expanding from Rakhine State into Ayeyarwady Region.

The context 

The AA has seized 14 of 17 townships in Rakhine State and is now pushing into new territories. Junta troops are retreating, with soldiers reportedly deserting and being abandoned by commanders. Popular beach resorts like Chaungtha are being deserted as fighting approaches.

More from the region

  • Russia and China are both seeking to maintain their economic projects in Myanmar, with Russia showing interest in the Dawei Special Economic Zone

  • The AA is part of the Brotherhood Alliance, which has liberated most of Myanmar’s northern Shan State since October 2023

  • The AA admitted to extrajudicial killings of two captured soldiers. Officials claimed it was done in revenge and promised to punish those responsible

  • The military junta continues to conduct airstrikes, killing civilians in AA-held territories

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: PATRIA 6X6

The Patria 6Ă—6 is a Finnish-designed armored personnel carrier (APC) developed by Patria for troop transport and other military roles. Introduced in 2018, it is built with a modular design that allows for upgrades, such as enhanced armor, weapon systems, including machine guns and 120 mm mortars, and amphibious capabilities.

It has 6×6 wheeled drive, independent coil spring suspension, and a powerful Scania diesel engine that delivers 394 horsepower. The vehicle has a top speed of over 62 mph on land and up to 5 mph in water, with a range of approximately 435 miles. It can carry 8–10 passengers in addition to its 2–3 crew members, and has a payload capacity of up to 8.5 tons.

What it’s used for

The Patria 6Ă—6 is currently in service with multiple countries, with Finland, Latvia, and Sweden being the primary operators. Latvia has ordered over 250 units, while Finland plans to acquire 161 vehicles.

Sweden, under the designation "Pansarterrängbil 300," has committed to 341 units, including troop transport, command, and medical transport variants. Germany has also shown interest, potentially acquiring 1,000 vehicles as part of a replacement program for older models.

2 - UNITED STATES

1 thing to know

The US Department of Defense has ordered 1,500 troops to the US-Mexican border.

The context

President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency at the southern border of the US, and the Pentagon has established a dedicated task force to implement additional executive orders related to the border, alongside the US Northern Command and the Department of Homeland Security.

A group of 1,500 active duty service members, 1000 soldiers and 500 US Marines, have been sent to the border, where they will construct physical barriers and help with other border security missions. In addition to the ground personnel, two C-130 Hercules and two C-17 Globemaster aircraft have been provided to help implement the deportation of illegals detained by the border patrol.

More from the region

  • Mexico has denied permission for US flights carrying migrants to land in the country

  • The US has already deported over 300 criminal immigrants and gang members back to Guatemala

Thank you for reading. You’ll get The War Newsletter Monday through Friday.

— E and S at The War Newsletter

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