Pregnant Rohingya Women Reportedly Forced to Clean Fish in Buthidaung

by Hafizur Rahman

Buthidaung, Rakhine State | May 17, 2026

Pregnant Rohingya women were reportedly taken by the Arakan Army to perform fish-cleaning work in Buthidaung Township on May 15, raising concern among local residents over the treatment of vulnerable civilians.

According to local sources, the women were taken to Kenothi village, where they were reportedly forced to clean fish for several hours.

Residents said at least ten pregnant Rohingya women were involved in the work. However, several people from the area claimed the actual number may have been significantly higher.

“One group confirmed ten women, but many villagers are saying there were more than 50 women taken for this work,” a local resident told Rohingya Khobor.

Another source said the women were made to work for long hours despite concerns over their physical condition.

“People are worried because some of them are pregnant and physically weak,” the source said.

Residents expressed concern over the condition of the women and said vulnerable civilians should not be subjected to difficult labor.

Independent verification of the higher reported number has not yet been possible.