In Arakan State, Myanmar, the plight of 22 innocent Rohingya villagers abducted by the Arakan Army (AA) continues, with their families left in the dark about their fate. On 24 June, eight worshippers were forcibly taken while praying in a mosque, along with 14 others from Myo Oo Ward and Zin Thu Oo Hla village in Maungdaw Township. Since the abductions, no communication has been allowed between the captives and their families.
The victims were abducted under harrowing circumstances—some while praying, others taken from their homes during the night. Among the group are elderly individuals, including a 70-year-old man, raising concerns over their safety. Despite their age and vulnerability, the AA has shown no mercy, abducting anyone found along their path and using them as human shields.
One of the victims, Soyedul Mostafa, who was taken from Zin Thu Oo Hla village, experienced unimaginable tragedy. His wife, who was in labor at the time of his abduction, died during childbirth on 26 June, just two days after he was taken. Soyedul remains unaware of her death, leaving his four children orphaned and in desperate need of care. Their situation has only worsened, as no relatives are available to support them.
On 6 July, the AA abducted 22 more Rohingyas, including five elderly men who were later released after enduring brutal interrogations. Those released are now in Kyee Kan Pyin village, northern Maungdaw Township, but the fate of the others remains unknown.
The AA’s deliberate abductions and detentions of Rohingya men and youths under false accusations have become an alarming trend. Many innocent people have been held for months, and some for over a year, without any contact with their families, leaving their loved ones anxiously awaiting news of their whereabouts or safety.
