by Hafizur Rahman
Fear spread rapidly through Ward 2 of Maungdaw town in Arakan State on the morning of 17 January, as Rohingya residents reported mass arrests carried out by the Arakan Army.
According to local residents, AA forces entered markets, streets, and Rohingya neighborhoods at around 10:00 am, arresting Rohingya men and women and taking them away by force. Witnesses said the operation targeted Rohingya civilians only, while people from other communities were not stopped.
Raids in markets and streets
Residents said AA members arrived in large numbers, using vehicles and motorbikes. Armed soldiers moved through shop areas and busy roads, shouting orders and threats.
A Rohingya shopkeeper who witnessed the arrests said AA members acted without warning. “They were shouting and pointing guns. If they saw a Rohingya face, they took that person. We closed our shops, but it did not help,” he said.
People said panic spread quickly, forcing many shopkeepers to shut their businesses as armed personnel continued the arrests in public areas.
House to house arrests
After detaining people in markets and streets, AA soldiers reportedly moved into Rohingya residential areas. Residents said they entered homes, searched rooms, and forcibly took people outside.
Families described the arrests as random and violent. In several houses, more than one person was reportedly taken.
A Rohingya woman from the area said her husband was not at home when soldiers arrived. “They did not listen to me. They took my brother and my cousin instead. My children were crying, holding my clothes, but no one cared,” she said.
Nearly 50 people detained
Witnesses estimated that around 50 Rohingya were arrested and taken to a former military intelligence office in Maungdaw. Those detained reportedly included young men, elderly men, and women.
Residents believe the arrests were carried out to force Rohingya civilians into military service against their will.
Another resident said AA members used humiliating and threatening language during the operation. “They told us they have weapons and power. They said they can arrest anyone they want. They even mocked us, saying we could complain to international courts if we dared,” he said.
Community in fear
The arrests have left Rohingya neighborhoods in shock. Residents said many families are now hiding relatives or avoiding markets and main roads. Shops remain closed in some areas, and daily life has slowed as fear grows.
Local Rohingya residents are calling for the immediate release of those detained. They are also urging international human rights organizations to closely monitor the situation and respond before further arrests take place.
As tensions continue to rise, Rohingya in Maungdaw say they feel trapped, with no sense of safety even inside their own homes.
