Local ethnic communities in Arakan (Rakhine) State’s Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships, areas under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), have voiced growing concerns over their security amid recent activities by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
Residents reported that ARSA armed combatants have recently been seen moving through villages and forested areas along the Mayu Mountains, which lie between Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships.
“We’re really worried that ARSA could attack at any time in Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships. As traders, we’re especially concerned that Muslim armed groups might target us using guerrilla tactics. Small tribal communities are hit hardest because they rely on terrace farming and often have to travel to very remote areas,” said a resident of Buthidaung Township.
An ethnic Daingnet resident from Buthidaung Township said ARSA members have been intermittently sighted near Nyaungchaung Village at the foothills of the Mayu Mountains over the past few days.
“We saw ARSA members moving around from time to time. Sometimes, when we went into the forest, we ran into them, but we didn’t dare look at them closely. Whenever we informed the AA and it searched the area, the ARSA members had already left and could not be found,” he said.
Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships are home to various ethnic groups, including Arakanese, Mro, Khami, Thet, Daingnet and Maramagyi, as well as Muslim and Hindu communities. Locals said many villages are difficult to access due to transportation challenges and sparse populations, resulting in heightened security risks.
Some villages reportedly have very few residents, as many locals have gone abroad to work in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and China.
Residents also reported that ARSA members and other Muslim militants have been seen posing as fishermen in coastal areas and along the Naf River in Maungdaw Township, which borders Bangladesh.
“ARSA members and other Muslim militants are disguising themselves as ordinary fishermen. Based on previous killings of Arakan Army fighters, some of the attackers may have posed as fishermen. This makes ethnic communities like ours even more worried about our safety,” said an ethnic Mro resident of Maungdaw Township.
In September, individuals disguised as fishermen reportedly entered Maungdaw Township illegally to fish, killed two AA security personnel, seized their weapons and fled into Bangladeshi waters.
A resident of Rathedaung Township said ARSA members are frequently seen in Inndin, Thawinchaung, Cheinkhalein and Kyaukpandu villages in Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships.
Although the AA controls Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships as well as the entire border with Bangladesh, locals said ARSA and other Muslim armed groups continue to carry out ambushes and attacks targeting AA troops.
While the AA is attempting to strengthen border security, it continues to face ongoing security challenges linked to ARSA activities in the region.
