By: Camp Correspondent
April 20, 2025 | Maungdaw, Rakhine State
The Arakan Army (AA) has been accused of forcibly confiscating Rohingya-owned property in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, and reselling the items for profit, often even to the original owners, according to multiple local sources.
These actions are being reported as part of a broader pattern of abuse, intimidation, and systematic exploitation in areas under AA control.
Homes Raided and Looted
On April 11, residents from Maung Ni and Kanyin Tan Wards reported that AA soldiers forcibly entered Rohingya homes, breaking down doors and looting household items, including furniture, solar panels, batteries, and even structural materials like window and door frames.
“They stormed into our homes like thieves in the night with guns,” said a Rohingya man from Maung Ni Ward, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We couldn’t say a word. If we speak out, we risk our lives. They will shoot us without hesitation.”
Locals say that the confiscated items were loaded onto trucks and transported to the 3-mile area of Maungdaw town, where some were later resold in open markets or redistributed within AA networks.
Vehicles Taken, Sold Back to Owners
The looting wasn’t limited to household goods. On April 16, Mohammed Murtaza (60), son of Mawlawi Eshadullah from Fazy Village, had his Noah-type private car forcibly seized by an individual reportedly linked to a senior AA commander. Dozens of other motorcycles and trishaws were also taken from residents across several neighborhoods.
Some of these stolen vehicles, according to witnesses, have been seen in use by AA fighters or are being sold back to Rohingya residents in areas such as Hlafo Khaung Camp, Kyauk Hle Kha Market, and nearby villages.
“We collected those things by working for years. These are our properties. These belong to us,” said a young Rohingya father from Kyet Yoe Pyin. “Now they take everything with guns. We are left with nothing but fear.”
Widening Lawlessness and Insecurity
With no formal legal or administrative system in place to protect Rohingya civilians, many residents say they are living under lawlessness, where armed actors control access to property, commerce, and even daily survival.
“There is no law here. They take what they want, and we are too afraid to protest,” said a community elder. “This is not governance—this is occupation.”
The Arakan Army has not issued any statement regarding the allegations as of publication. However, rights monitors have documented similar cases in Buthidaung and Rathedaung, where Rohingya communities face arbitrary evictions, asset seizure, and movement restrictions.
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