by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, October 23, 2025 — The Arakan Army (AA) has reportedly ordered Rohingya village administrators in Maungdaw Township to send between 150 and 200 young men and women from each village to join its forces for military training.
According to local residents, the directive was issued during a meeting held on October 20 in old Hlaphokhaung village in northern Maungdaw. AA and United League of Arakan (ULA) representatives told Rohingya administrators that every family must send one person—either a man or a woman—for military duty. Families without men were told to send women, while those unable to send anyone were instructed to pay money instead.
A Rohingya village administrator told Rohingya Khobor, “They said this is for the revolution and that every Rohingya must take part. Each village must send 150 to 200 people, and this is just the first round. If we refuse, they warned there will be consequences.”
The age requirement for enlistment is reportedly 18–45 for men and 18–35 for women. Those selected are expected to undergo a 45-day training program before being assigned to security or defense duties.
Many villagers said they are alarmed by the order, fearing separation from their families or being forced into combat. “I have a wife and children who depend on me. If I am taken, they will have no one to provide for them. People who were taken before never came back,” said one resident.
Others expressed suspicion that the AA plans to use Rohingya recruits in fighting across Rakhine, particularly in Sittwe and Kyauktaw. “They claim it’s for village security, but we believe they want to send Rohingya to the frontlines,” another villager said. “Many are already trying to flee to Bangladesh to avoid being taken.”
Local sources added that Rohingya villagers in Maungdaw already face severe restrictions on movement and live under heavy surveillance. They warned that this new forced recruitment drive will deepen their suffering and could push more families to attempt dangerous escapes across the border.
