By: Camp Correspondent
March 18, 2025
The humanitarian crisis in northern Maungdaw deepens as the Arakan Army intensifies forced expulsions of Rohingya families, leaving them without food or shelter. Meanwhile, Myanmar’s military has increased drone surveillance over the region, heightening fears of renewed conflict.
Over 200 Rohingya Families Expelled, Struggling for Survival
More than 200 Rohingya families forcibly displaced by the Arakan Army remain stranded and unable to return home, facing extreme hardships.
Forced Expulsions and Land Seizures
The evictions began on June 12, 2024, when over 100 Rohingya families from Hla Baw Zar and Kanyin Taung villages were forced out. Another wave of displacement occurred on July 16, 2024, when 70 families from Myaung Taung village were expelled. The most recent incident happened on February 1, 2025, when 73 families from Ngan Chaung Gone Nar village were also forced to flee.
Since then, these families have sought refuge in nearby villages but remain barred from returning home. Reports suggest that the Arakan Army has seized their farmlands, homes, and other properties, leaving them with no means of survival.
A local resident described the situation:
“They expelled them from their homes, and now they are struggling in nearby villages. Even when they try to return to collect their belongings, they are not allowed. Their homes and farmlands have been taken away.”
Struggles of the Displaced Rohingya
Living conditions for these families have deteriorated significantly. Many struggle to find food and shelter, while the authorities have refused to include them in the latest household registration lists, cutting them off from humanitarian aid.
On March 16, 2025, a 46-year-old Rohingya woman, Rawshida Begum from Myaung Taung, attempted to return home but was expelled again. On her way back through the forest, she was attacked by a wild elephant and suffered serious injuries. Without medical assistance, her condition remains critical.
Despite previous assurances that displaced Rohingya from Maungdaw town would soon be allowed to return, no action has been taken.
“They keep making promises, but nothing happens. We don’t know if we will ever get our homes back,” said one of the displaced Rohingya.
With no solution in sight, the situation for these families continues to worsen.
Myanmar Military’s Drone Surveillance Raises Fear in Maungdaw
Residents of Maungdaw are growing increasingly anxious as Myanmar’s military has intensified drone surveillance over the region, raising fears of possible military action.
Drones and Rising Tensions
Since March 14, 2025, military drones have been flying twice a day over Maungdaw, heightening concerns among locals.
Following the takeover of Maungdaw on December 8, 2024, a high-ranking military official was reportedly taken for questioning by the Arakan Army. In response, the military launched two airstrikes near the facility, though no attacks have directly hit Maungdaw town.
Despite this, the presence of surveillance drones has left residents fearful.
“We don’t know when or where they might drop bombs,” said a Rakhine woman who recently returned to Maungdaw. “Every time we hear the drone overhead, we feel unsafe.”
Rohingya Still Barred from Returning
While Rakhine and Hindu families have been allowed to return to Maungdaw, Rohingya families remain excluded. A displaced Rohingya resident confirmed that no Rohingya families have been permitted to return to their homes.
With military surveillance increasing and tensions rising, both Rakhine and Rohingya residents fear the possibility of renewed violence. The ongoing drone operations suggest that the military is closely monitoring the region, keeping tensions high.
As the crisis in northern Maungdaw escalates, Rohingya families face displacement and uncertainty, while residents of Maungdaw live in fear of further conflict.
