By: Camp Correspondent
Maungdaw, Arakan State – March 28, 2025
Nearly 30 Arakan Army (AA) fighters, reportedly recruited under short-term contracts, have fled their positions in recent days amid claims of unpaid wages and growing dissatisfaction.
The AA has since launched a quiet but active search for the missing individuals—some of which includes efforts within Rohingya areas.
According to local sources, the fleeing fighters were among the foreign and regional recruits brought in to support the AA’s military operations during its campaign to seize control of Maungdaw Township.
Recruits reportedly included individuals from Nepal, Bangladesh, and southern parts of Rakhine State, who were promised six months of paid service.
However, after the AA took full control of Maungdaw on December 8, 2024, many of the fighters began requesting to return home. Their requests were denied, and reports suggest they had not been paid during their service.
Facing food shortages and unable to send money to their families, some of the fighters chose to escape—either with their weapons or unarmed.
A source familiar with the matter said, “These fighters escaped from the Nkhkh (5) and Zone (6) areas of Maungdaw. Some are believed to be hiding nearby. The AA is now working discreetly to locate them.”
Secret Search Efforts Ongoing
The Arakan Army is reportedly conducting an internal search operation, which includes attempts to gather information from Rohingya villagers in the surrounding areas.
Some Rohingya sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that AA members had recently questioned them in several locations.
While the exact date of the escape remains unclear, sources close to AA leadership said the internal manhunt began several days ago but has been kept out of public view to avoid raising alarm.
The situation highlights growing tensions within AA-controlled territory as the armed group faces challenges not only from the broader conflict but also from within its own ranks.
