Conflict between the Myanmar army, also called Tatmadaw, and the armed resistance group Arakan Army (AA) have intensified and spilled over into northern Rakhine State. The fighting has mainly centered around Paletwa, in southern Chin State, in recent months. The AA has been fighting the Tatmadaw since 2015. AA fought alongside its allies, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kachin state.  According to an article in The Irrawaddy, the AA said the Myanmar army’s air force had recently attacked AA positions in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State. Fighting had also occurred in Rathedaung, Buthidaung and Ponnagyun in recent weeks. Three Tatmadaw soldiers were killed in an truck attack in Rathedaung, according to reports. No group claimed responsibility for the attack, which happened near territory claimed by the AA, the article said. In recent weeks, representatives from the AA, as well as from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, have held talks with the government. They offered to stop fighting in return for the right to return to formal peace talks.