Situated along the Kaladar River in Chin State, Paletwa is a city of strategic importance on a major trade route. The Arakan Army (AA), an armed ethnic group, has claimed control of Paletwa, leading to the capture of the 42nd town from Myanmar’s military. The AA, part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, has been advancing in a major offensive known as Operation 1027, which has seen the group seize key towns and military outposts near the China border. The capture of Paletwa is another setback for the military, which seized power in a coup in February 2021. The AA’s capture of Paletwa has been welcomed by the National Unity Government and is seen as a significant success for the fight against the military dictatorship. This capture marks a decisive shift towards offensive warfare by the resistance. The military coup triggered mass rallies, leading to an escalation of violence and the ongoing struggle for civilian rule.