by Hafizur Rahman
Fear is spreading across Buthidaung Township in northern Rakhine State after at least 20 Rohingya youths were forcibly taken from their villages for military service by the Arakan Army, according to local residents. The incidents took place on February 4, 2026.
Residents said the youths were taken from Ka Kyet Pet, Bagunna, and Myaung Nar villages. Local people reported that around five youths were taken from each village against their will, leaving families shocked and unable to resist.
Due to the shutdown of phone and internet networks in the area, confirming full details has been difficult. Many families said they are still searching for information about their missing children.
Youths Taken While Trying to Flee
In Bagunna village, residents said several Rohingya youths were taken while attempting to flee toward Bangladesh. They were reportedly trying to escape out of fear that they would be forcibly recruited.
Local sources said the armed group later informed village administrators that each village must provide 25 unmarried people over the age of 18, including 15 men and 10 women.
Residents said village leaders were warned that failure to meet the demand would result in people being forced to leave Arakan and not allowed to remain in their homes.
Pressure on Villages Intensifies
A resident described the demand as impossible for impoverished villages already struggling to survive.
“No village can give that many people,” the resident said. “Families are barely surviving, and now they are being asked to give their children.”
Sources said villages were only able to provide a small number of youths, far fewer than demanded. As a result, pressure has reportedly increased. Communities are now being asked to submit full lists of eligible youths, and residents said even underage boys have been taken in some cases.
Daily Life Marked by Fear
The situation has deeply affected daily life in the area. Many Rohingya youths are no longer sleeping at home. Residents said some hide in forests at night or stay with relatives in other villages. Others have already fled, while more families are preparing to leave.
“Parents cannot sleep,” one resident said. “Every sound at night feels like danger.”
The situation in Buthidaung Township remains tense, with growing fears of further forced conscription and renewed displacement among Rohingya communities.
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