by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, November 8, 2025 —
Human rights concerns have emerged after the Arakan Army (AA) surrounded and blocked two Rohingya villages — Thue Oo La (Kholar Bil) and Dar Gyi Zar (Shor Ro Gorji Bil) — in northern Maungdaw Township of Arakan State.
According to local sources, around 200 AA members entered both villages early on October 27 and conducted house-to-house searches. Villagers were gathered in the school compound and questioned for several hours. During the operation, two Rohingya men — one reportedly disabled — were arrested and taken away by the AA.
Residents said the arrests followed a claim by village administrator Mohammed Roshid that “terror suspects” were hiding in the community. Locals denied the allegation, saying the detained men were innocent civilians. They were identified as Abubakkar (also known as Nur Hussein, 38) and Mohammed Toyyub (also known as Abul Hussein, 34).
Community members accused administrator Roshid of collaborating with the AA and extorting money from residents, describing a pattern of threats and intimidation. These claims could not be independently verified.
The incident has deepened fear and insecurity among Rohingya families in Maungdaw, where arbitrary arrests and forced questioning have become increasingly common. Residents say that regardless of whether the area is under the control of the junta or the AA, Rohingya civilians continue to face abuses and restrictions on their movement.
Rohingya community leaders have called for fair treatment, justice, and a peaceful system that ensures the safety and dignity of all communities in northern Arakan.
The incident follows a series of similar operations by the Arakan Army in Maungdaw in recent weeks, raising further concerns over the safety of Rohingya civilians trapped between armed actors.
