by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, October 8, 2025:
The Arakan Army (AA) has reportedly ordered young Rohingya women in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships of Rakhine State to join military training, sparking widespread fear and anger among local communities.
Forced Recruitment Orders Reported
According to local sources, AA representatives held meetings on October 6 in several Rohingya villages across Maungdaw and Buthidaung. During the meetings, they ordered that 50 young women from each township must be sent to join military service under AA control.
A Rohingya resident from Buthidaung told Rohingya Khobor, “AA is forcing us to send our daughters for military work. We do not have a choice because they have power and weapons. Everyone is worried and afraid now in the villages.”
Another villager from Maungdaw said, “This is the first time we have heard of something like this. People are shocked and frightened. Many families are now hiding their daughters so they will not be taken.”
Fear Spreads Among Families
A woman from the area expressed her fear, saying, “We do not know what will happen to our girls. We are living in fear every day. Even if we want to protest, we cannot because they control everything here.”
Local residents said that the AA’s actions have created deep fear and insecurity among Rohingya families, particularly among women and girls. Many described the situation as a serious violation of human rights and called for immediate international intervention.
Community Calls for International Action
Rohingya community members are urging international human rights organisations to monitor the situation closely and pressure the AA to stop using civilians, especially women, for military purposes.
Residents say this practice has further eroded trust between the AA and Rohingya civilians, worsening the already fragile security and humanitarian situation in northern Rakhine State.
