By Hafizur Rahman, Maungdaw, Arakan, August 30, 2025
Arbitrary arrests by the Arakan Army (AA) in Maungdaw Township have intensified fear among Rohingya communities already caught in the wider crisis across Arakan State.
Arrests in Ward (2)
Local residents reported that AA forces detained 10 Rohingya individuals from 10 families in Ward (2) of Maungdaw, accusing them of crossing illegally from Bangladesh. The detainees were held at a police station without explanation, leaving families anxious and distressed.
Temporary Relief After Release
Although the AA released the detainees on August 26 following negotiations, relatives said the incident highlights the constant fear under which Rohingya communities live.
“AA arrested them without giving any reason, which always causes fear and worry. Today, since our family could reunite again, we feel a little relieved,” said one family member.
Wider Context of Turmoil
The arrests come amid escalating clashes between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military, which have left civilians trapped between armed groups. For Rohingya residents, who already endure statelessness and decades of displacement, the crisis has brought fresh waves of insecurity, movement restrictions, and human rights abuses.
Call for Protection
Human rights defenders stressed that the Arakan Army’s actions further marginalize the Rohingya. They called on the group to stop exploiting innocent civilians for political interests and urged all parties to respect international human rights principles as the conflict deepens across Arakan.
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