Maungdaw, Arakan State, Myanmar –The Arakan Army (AA) and local Hindus are reportedly looting properties belonging to Rohingya villagers in Maungdaw Township. The looting includes valuable items such as gold, money, livestock, rice bags, and household appliances, severely affecting the Rohingya communities in villages like Pan Taw Pyin, Nyaung Chaung, Thi Hu Hla Kyen, Paung Zar, Lapaw Zar, Myo Oo Ward, Gunah, Basupa, Latha Auk Rwa, and Latha hamlets in Latha Ward.
Over the past week, the situation has escalated dramatically, with many Rohingya villagers forced to evacuate to Maungdaw downtown due to drone attacks and heavy weapon fire from the AA. The Myanmar military has retaliated with heavy weaponry and jets, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries among the Rohingya population.
Some Rohingya previously viewed the AA as a protective force capable of fostering trust between Rakhine and Muslim communities, but the current wave of violence and looting has shattered this perception. The AA’s actions have led to a significant deterioration of safety and stability in the region.
In addition to the looting, there are reports of forced displacements. The AA has forcibly removed Rohingya residents from their homes in Zula Fara, Zin Thu Hla, Italia, and Horithulla hamlets in Myo Oo Ward, as well as Gunah, Basupa, and Latha Auk Rwa hamlets in Latha Ward. In these villages, the AA has established positions, exploiting the absence of direct conflict to seize control and engage in widespread theft.
The ongoing conflict has placed the Rohingya in a perilous situation, caught between the AA and the Myanmar military. Despite the lack of direct clashes in some areas, both forces continue to use heavy weapons, exacerbating the crisis for the Rohingya who remain in the area.
