Nay Pyi Taw, Jan 8 (IANS): The Myanmar military has vowed to continue launching offensive against the ethnic Arakan Army following at lease 10 recent clashes with the group, a media report said on Friday.

The government forces have pledged to remove the armed group from Rakhine state in western Myanmar where it is operating, Xinhua reported.

It was reported that seven members of the government forces including one commanding officer were killed in a sniper attack and many others were injured.

The government forces captured three Arakan Army members and seized some weapons during last week's clashes in Rakhine state.

The armed group, while retreating, took five men and two women working on a farm as hostages.

The Arakan Army was among the three armed groups that have not been invited to the government's peace deal.

The government signed a nationwide ceasefire accord with eight armed groups on October 15 2015 and a formal political dialogue was set for mid-January.