The Arakan Army (AA), which controls areas along the border with Bangladesh, has recently intensified maritime security operations along the Arakan (Rakhine) State coastline, according to sources close to the group.

The move comes as the AA seeks to address security threats to local communities, and curb the activities of Muslim armed groups. The Arakan ethnic armed organization is carrying out coordinated operations along the land border while maintaining regular patrols in coastal waters near Bangladesh.

“The AA has been launching strong offensives against the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) along the border. AA’s main focus is counter-terrorism and keeping people safe. Alongside ground operations, AA vessels are regularly patrolling the waters along the border,” a source close to the AA told DMG.

The AA is also reportedly stepping up law enforcement to apprehend Bangladeshi nationals found fishing illegally in the Bay of Bengal and at the mouth of the Naf River along the Bangladesh border.

Residents in Maungdaw reported frequent clashes, saying Muslim armed groups often carry out surprise attacks on AA positions and retreat quickly into Bangladeshi territory when pursued.

“They use guerrilla tactics to ambush border outposts almost every day. Most of their raids happen at night, like around 2:30 before dawn, when people are asleep. But every time they attack, AA members respond effectively and always force them back into Bangladesh,” a border source said.

Clashes have been reported near villages including Wailartaung, Taungpyo Letwei, Leikya, and Nanthartaung, where dense jungle terrain allows Muslim armed groups to stage sudden attacks on AA positions.

Locals expressed support for the AA’s heightened security presence, citing past incidents in which Muslim armed groups committed acts of violence, including the abduction and killing of villagers.