In a recent development, the Arakan Army (AA) has mandated that each village in Kyauktaw town send ten people to join their ranks. According to local sources, approximately 50 individuals from Paik village and 70 from the village of Yatanarpon, Kyauktaw, all of whom are Rohingya, have been dispatched to the front lines. The AA has warned that failure to comply with this directive will lead to suspicions of affiliation with the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
In addition to those sent to the front, the AA has enlisted other villagers for various duties, including surveillance of their communities to report back to the AA. Karim (not his real name), a local Rohingya, was relieved to be assigned to village watch duties rather than combat roles. Nonetheless, he voiced concerns about the uncertainty of their situation, noting that all enlisted villagers are required to remain at their designated posts. The AA has given those not enlisted the freedom to move as they please. However, the situation has led many to flee, often through brokers with connections to the AA who charge significant fees for their services. One group of Rohingya was reportedly taken by an agent to another city, but relatives say they have yet to arrive at their destination. When questioned, the agents responded that the individuals were “on the way.”
