After Arakan fighting, Taungup residents struggle to rebuild homes

By Admin 12 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

12 February 2026, Taungup

Residents of Taungup whose homes were destroyed during the battle for control of the town continue to face significant challenges in rebuilding their lives, according to local sources.

During the fighting, more than 200 houses and buildings were destroyed by airstrikes, heavy artillery shelling and arson attacks carried out by the Myanmar military regime.

Although some residents have returned to Taungup, those whose homes were destroyed are struggling to rebuild due to soaring commodity prices and mounting economic hardships.

Residents also report difficulties constructing even temporary shelters, as the Arakan Army (AA) has restricted timber extraction across Arakan State.

“Some people haven’t returned to the town yet because they can’t afford to rebuild their homes. Even those who have trees on their own farmland face difficulties. If they want to cut them for construction, they have to submit a request to the administrative offices, and often permission is not granted,” a resident in Taungup said.

The destruction was concentrated in Kanpaing, Theintaung and Guta wards, with Kanpaing sustaining the most extensive damage.

Most of those who lost their homes have yet to return and remain displaced in various locations, facing ongoing social and economic hardship as internally displaced persons (IDPs).

As stability gradually returns to townships under Arakan Army control, residents are calling on the authorities to prioritise access to secure shelter.

“The latest fighting in Arakan State has once again left many people homeless, and the current administrators have a responsibility to address this crisis,” a young resident in Taungup said. “Even if there aren’t enough resources for everyone, there should be a short-term plan to create temporary housing, perhaps by allowing limited timber extraction for this purpose.”

The Arakan Army seized full control of Taungup Township on December 14, 2024, and is currently carrying out administrative, judicial and rehabilitation processes in the area.

During the latest fighting in Arakan State, thousands of homes and buildings were destroyed, leaving many residents facing the daunting task of reconstruction.