by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State | May 18, 2026
Three Rohingya cattle herders were reportedly arrested by the Arakan Army after they went to request the release of their cows in Maungdaw Township, according to local villagers.
The incident reportedly took place on May 15 near Ywar Thit village under Kyauk Hlay Kar village tract in Rakhine State.
Local residents said the cows entered the nearby NaKhaKha-10 area while grazing and were later taken by members of the Arakan Army.
According to villagers, the three Rohingya men went to the area on the morning of May 15 to ask for the return of their cattle. Witnesses said the men were detained while speaking with Arakan Army members inside the camp area.
Family members later searched for the missing men, but Arakan Army members reportedly denied arresting them and said they had no information about their whereabouts.
The reported disappearance has created fear and concern among local residents.
“We are very worried because innocent Rohingya people can be taken away at any time,” one local resident said. “People here no longer feel safe.”
One of the detained men was identified as 29-year-old Mamath Taker, son of Mamath Abbor, from Ywar Thit village. Another detainee is believed to be a teenage boy, while the identity of the third villager has not yet been confirmed.
