Fear Grows in Buthidaung After AA Announcement on Forced Recruitment

by Hafizur Rahman

Fear and tension are rising among Rohingya communities in Buthidaung Township following a recent announcement by the Arakan Army regarding recruitment, local residents said. The announcement was made on February 9, 2026.

According to residents, the Arakan Army declared that Rohingya boys and girls in Buthidaung must be included in recruitment lists. The reported age range includes girls between 15 and 25 years old and boys between 16 and 35 years old.

Since the announcement, families say they are living in constant anxiety about the safety of their children.

“We are parents, not fighters,” one Rohingya father said. “Our children should be in school, not living in fear.”

Reports of Threats and Extortion

Residents also reported cases of intimidation and financial demands linked to recruitment.

One Rohingya man said he was forced to pay 2,000,000 Myanmar kyats after being threatened.

“They told me if I did not give the money, my family would suffer,” he said. “I sold everything I had. Now we have nothing left.”

Community members expressed concern that the pressure is affecting even younger children. Residents mentioned the case of Faruk, an 11 year old Rohingya boy, son of Omar Ali, from Dapro Chaung village in Buthidaung Township. His situation has heightened fear among parents that minors may also be at risk.

“When even an 11 year old is not safe, how can we sleep at night?” a Rohingya mother said. “Every knock on the door feels like danger.”

Growing Displacement and Uncertainty

Residents said many families are attempting to hide their sons and daughters or send them to stay with relatives in other locations. However, options remain limited due to movement restrictions and ongoing insecurity.

Women, children, and elderly people are reported to be especially affected, as uncertainty and fear continue to grow across the township.

Rohingya community members are calling for urgent attention from international actors to prevent forced recruitment, stop threats and extortion, and protect civilians from further harm.