Arakan Army warns Maungdaw residents over ARSA activity in Mayu Mountains

By Admin 31 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

31 January 2026, Maungdaw

The Arakan Army has issued a security warning to residents in southern Maungdaw Township following recent sightings of Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army activity in the Mayu Mountains.

According to Arakan Army officials, members of ARSA and other Muslim militant groups have been entering the area via the Bay of Bengal, often disguising themselves as fishermen at night. Their presence has been reported near villages including Aungthukha, Inndin, Paeyone and Kyaukpandu.

“Recently, Arakan Army officials have been visiting the homes of village administrators to provide security updates. The administrators then use loudspeakers to warn villagers to remain vigilant while traveling,” a resident of Aungthukha Village told DMG. “People are being advised to travel in groups if they need to go into the mountains to collect firewood.”

Local sources said militants from ARSA, the Rohingya Solidarity Organization and the Arakan Rohingya Army frequently enter the Maungdaw area from Bangladesh through forest routes or by boat. After crossing the border, they often operate in the Mayu mountain range.

Muslim militant groups have previously carried out attacks in Buthidaung, Rathedaung and Maungdaw townships, including ambushes on travelers, killings, kidnappings and extortion. These threats have heightened fear among local farmers and fishermen.

“I depend on fishing at sea to support my family,” said a fisherman from Kyaukpandu Village. “Whether I go during the day or at night, I am always afraid. We often see groups of strangers near the shore, and sometimes I have to return home without fishing because the fear is overwhelming.”

Security concerns intensified on October 22, 2025, when ARSA militants ambushed a passenger vehicle traveling from Cedipyin Village in Rathedaung Township to Kyaukpandu Village in Maungdaw Township. Two women were killed and two men were injured in the attack.

Amid ongoing security risks, local residents are urging the Arakan Army to strengthen border security measures to better protect civilians from militant activity.