by Hafizur Rahman
Buthidaung, Rakhine State, April 22, 2026 — More than 300 Rohingya boys and over 50 girls who were taken for forced military training have been allowed brief visits to their families after completing several weeks of training, according to local sources.
The group is being held at a camp in Ywet Nyo Daung in Buthidaung Township. They were taken from different villages in Buthidaung and Maungdaw and kept there for training. After around 40 to 45 days, they were given 10 days to return home and see their families, starting from April 18.
One boy, who spoke on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, said many of those at the camp are still children. “There are so many of us, and many are not even adults yet. We were taken from our homes and brought here without choice,” he said.
He said the visit home is temporary and they have been ordered to return to the camp after 10 days. He added that they were warned not to escape, and that their families could face punishment if they failed to return.
“They told us clearly, if we don’t return, both we and our families will face serious consequences,” he said.
The boy described the training as long and difficult, starting early in the morning and continuing for many hours with little rest. He said conditions are harsh, with limited food and support.
“We wake up before sunrise and train for hours. Sometimes we are shouted at, sometimes beaten. It is very hard for us,” he said.
According to the account, both boys and girls are trained together and are taught how to use weapons, including assembling and disassembling guns.
Local sources said forced recruitment has been increasing, with many minors among those taken. Residents said the situation has raised serious concerns about the safety and protection of Rohingya civilians in the area.
