by Hafizur Rahman
Samee Township, Arakan State | January 01, 2026
Residents of Samee Township say fear is spreading across villages as the Arakan Army has begun forcing not only men, but also women, young girls, and even mothers to join military service, according to multiple local sources.
Villagers said the recruitment drive began in November, after members of the Arakan Army, also known as ULA, started collecting population lists across the township. Since then, meetings have been held in different villages where people were reportedly taken in groups, even without their consent.
According to residents, the group is calling women aged 16 to 30 and men aged 18 to 45 for compulsory military service lasting at least two years. Locals said refusal is not accepted, and those who question the orders face threats and intimidation.
Many villages in Samee Township have been affected, including Laip Kon, Wet Ma, Pyine Tain, Mait Sar 1, 2 and 3, Ngaminn Taung East and West, Sar W, Pyine Taung, Kuu W, Pyin W, Alin W, O Bo W, Lower and Upper Kyet Ma Ai, Nhyin W, and Kyi W.
Residents said the situation worsened on December 14, when names of girls as young as 15 were reportedly added to recruitment lists. In Pyin W village, several young people were taken, including two 17 year old girls who were working in Samee town. One of them had recently undergone surgery but was still forced to attend training.
In another case reported by villagers, a 25 year old mother with a three year old child was also taken for military training, causing shock and anger among local families.
Villagers said the pressure has become heavier than before, replacing earlier hopes for stability with fear and silence. One resident said people are now afraid to speak, adding that even small mistakes can lead to physical punishment.
Another local said people live in constant anxiety, fearing that if their name is reported, armed members will arrive at their homes and issue threats. He added that many Khumi families are now leaving the area because they are afraid of forced recruitment.
Residents said the current recruitment drive appears to target all ethnic communities in the area, not only Rakhine people. They warned that the situation is increasing tension, displacement, and suffering across Samee Township, leaving families fearful for the safety of their children and their future.
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