Arakan Army tightens security along Arakan-Bangladesh border

By Admin 14 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

14 January 2026, Maungdaw

The Arakan Army (AA) is reportedly strengthening security along the Arakan-Bangladesh border amid threats posed by Muslim armed groups.

Fierce fighting broke out on January 11 and 12 after Muslim armed groups ambushed and fired on Arakan Army security outposts near Kyee Island and Nanthattaung Village along the Naf River in Maungdaw Township, according to local sources.

Following the clashes, the Arakan Army increased border security with full manpower and weapons, and has been conducting clearance operations in the area.

"Along the border, the Arakan Army is searching for and clearing Muslim armed groups and has arrested some of them. Bangladesh Border Guard personnel have also been seen arresting Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army members who fled into Bangladesh. The fighting has calmed down for the time being," a border source said.

After the clashes, many members of Muslim armed groups, including injured fighters, reportedly fled to Bangladesh, where they were arrested by the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB).

Members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) and Arakan Rohingya Army are reportedly infiltrating from the border to attack Arakan Army security outposts and ambush Arakan Army members, leading to frequent clashes.

Local residents said they are remaining on high alert, fearing for their safety after Muslim armed men were seen moving in forested areas near villages.

"ARSA activities are almost always present. ARSA members have been seen carrying weapons recently. They don't move in groups, so it's difficult to track them. I know that some ARSA members have been arrested," said a resident from the Maungdaw border area.

In Maungdaw Township, locals and travelling traders are facing ongoing security threats, including arrests, killings and ambushes by Muslim armed groups.

According to a list compiled by DMG, 21 civilians were killed, nine were injured, and others went missing in northern Arakan State in 2025 due to ARSA-related violence.

"It's very dangerous to travel from one place to another here. People are worried about the ARSA threat. Even villagers don't dare go into town. Deserted areas are especially dangerous," said a local woman from Maungdaw.

The Arakan Army is continuing operations to hunt down armed groups threatening local security, clear potential hideouts, and establish camps and border posts in the Mayu mountain range.

However, the AA faces challenges in providing full security due to militants entering Arakan State through multiple routes, including land borders and maritime routes.