An official from Thayargon village in Arakan State’s Maungdaw Township was detained by members of the Border Guard Force (BGF) on Wednesday, according to family members.

The detainee has been identified as 32-year-old U Ba Thein. A family member told DMG that U Ba Thein was detained when he, along with the administrator of Thinbawha village, went to a BGF camp in Taungpyo village for a meeting.

“When they arrived at the BGF camp, they were separately held. But the administrator of Thinbawhla village was released later and he [U Ba Thein] was detained by the BGF members,” the family member explained.

U Ba Thein has been the Thayargon village in-charge for about two years, according to the family member, who added that he is also a leader in local development activities and the reason for his arrest is not yet known.

Police also raided U Ba Thein’s house on Wednesday, family members said.

“Police from Thayargon police outpost conducted a search operation at U Ba Thein’s home. We are worried about his safety as we have not been in contact with him. We want him released as soon as possible because he is not guilty,” the family member added.

DMG phoned Arakan State Minister for Security and Border Affairs Colonel Kyaw Thura for comment on the detention of the Thayargon village in-charge, but he could not be reached.

A combined contingent of Myanmar military troops and BGF personnel detained an administrator and two other men from Kyeinchaung village in Maungdaw Township early Wednesday morning, according to family members.

The Arakan Army captured 14 junta soldiers and police personnel after the ethnic armed group clashed with the military in Maungdaw Township on July 18, the AA said in a statement on Tuesday. The ethnic armed group also issued a warning in its July 19 statement, urging the public to be on alert as the junta continues to conduct military operations and preparations in Arakan State.