Clashes between ARSA and AA rage on for a week, forcing locals to flee

By Admin 22 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

22 September 2025, Maungdaw

Heavy fighting has continued for about a week between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Muslim armed group ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) along the Arakan-Bangladesh border in northern Maungdaw Township, with the AA reportedly reinforcing its troops and conducting clearance operations, according to local sources.

The clashes, which began near Inn Chaung and Kyauk Lone villages close to Taung Pyo Letwae on September 16, have now stretched into their seventh day, residents said.

The fighting reportedly erupted when ARSA launched attacks on AA security outposts from across the border, sparking ongoing battles.

A Maungdaw resident said: "ARSA has been attacking in large numbers, so the AA has been continuously reinforcing its forces and conducting clearance operations to secure the area. Since the fighting is near the border, it is difficult to know the situation precisely."

AA Commander-in-Chief Major General Twan Mrat Naing told The Irrawaddy on September 20 that some Bangladeshi military officers have encouraged Muslim armed groups to seize territory in areas around Taung Pyo near the Bangladesh border.

As these groups have established bases in Bangladesh and are carrying out violent activities, the AA announced that it will further strengthen border security.

As a result of the clashes, locals have been displaced, while cross-border trade and farming have become increasingly difficult, said a Mro youth from northern Maungdaw.

"Most of our people depend on the forests and hills in the border area for food and livelihood. Now that ARSA has started violent activities, some residents have fled. Others no longer dare to farm, trade, or go into the hills. People are afraid they will be killed if they encounter ARSA fighters on the way, so they stay home," he said.

Hundreds of residents from Inn Chaung and Kyauk Lone villages have fled to Done Nyo and nearby villages to escape the fighting, according to locals.

Residents added that Muslim armed groups have been using some Muslim villages in both Bangladesh and Maungdaw Township as cover, launching violent attacks against the AA and local communities.

On September 16, ARSA fighters reportedly captured and killed two Done Nyo villagers who had gone to cut bamboo, as well as an AA soldier who was helping to search for them.

Locals said they are deeply worried by the violent activities of the Muslim armed groups, which they view as a major security threat to all Arakanese people.

"The situation in northern Maungdaw is very concerning. These Muslim militants are carrying out violent operations in one way or another. Countering this violence is not only the AA's responsibility, but the duty of all Arakanese people. Otherwise, the violence could spread across the whole of Arakan," said a local observer.

Muslim armed groups have previously fought alongside the Myanmar military in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships to resist AA offensives, and they are now carrying out attacks in northern Maungdaw, locals added.

The groups are said to be operating from bases inside Bangladesh, entering Maungdaw District through riverine and mountain routes.

The AA has warned that due to the ongoing activities of Muslim armed groups along the border, it will strengthen border security and has urged local residents to inform AA authorities before traveling in the area.

According to the AA, groups such as ARSA, RSO (Rohingya Solidarity Organisation), and ARA (Arakan Rohingya Association) have exploited the AA's incomplete control of certain parts of Maungdaw District to infiltrate and operate.