The Myanmar military has a history of divide and rule, making ceasefires with some ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) while launching military attacks on other EAOs. There is a definite possibility that the motivations for the suspension of operations in the north is to prepare for a massive military operation to attempt to wipe out the AA, which is gaining legitimacy and territory throughout Rakhine State.

“During a briefing by members of the Security Council on their mission to Myanmar, it was reported that Myanmar security forces had threatened Rohingya villagers with reprisals if they talked to members of the delegation during the visit and had told the villagers that those who had done so were being sought.” - the UN Secretary-General

"The decision of the court shows that our country is not a democratic country although the current government came to power by proclaiming itself a democratic government." - Nang Pu, the Director of Htoi Gender and Development Foundation

“Sexual violence involved hundreds of soldiers and occurred across the length of Maungdaw and northern Buthidaung. Such scale and breadth of incidence provides strong evidence that rape was systematically planned and used as a weapon against the Rohingya population.” - A report by the Kaladan Press Network

“ASEAN must not consider the option of voluntary return without addressing the root causes of the displacement and entrenched discrimination of the Rohingya.” - A statement by civil society organizations