Junta navy detains eight Muslim fishermen in Werathani, abandons them at sea

By Admin 19 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

19 September 2026, Werathani

Two junta warships opened fire with heavy and light weapons on two Muslim fishing boats off Werathani Township in Arakan State, destroying both vessels, detaining eight fishermen, and subsequently abandoning them at sea, according to local sources.

At around 12:00 p.m. on September 17, 16 Muslim fishermen from Hsintetmaw Village were fishing in coastal waters aboard two motorboats when two junta warships approached and attempted to intercept them. Eight of the fishermen managed to escape.

The remaining eight fishermen were captured by junta navy forces, according to survivors.

"Two junta warships opened fire with heavy weapons and intercepted our boat along with another vessel," said one Muslim fisherman. "After interrogating us, they threw each of us into the sea late in the afternoon, handing us each an empty yellow plastic fuel jerrycan. Fortunately, we encountered a boat from our village and survived."

Personnel aboard the junta warships also burned and destroyed both fishing motorboats.

"After detaining us, they first fired machine guns at our boats," the survivor added. "When the boats did not sink, they targeted them with heavy weapons. Both boats then caught fire and sank."

Myayngu Island comprises over 30 villages where local residents rely primarily on fishing for their livelihoods.

However, ongoing threats from the junta navy have prevented local communities from venturing out to sea, causing severe economic hardship. Some residents continue to risk their lives fishing to earn a daily living.

"Junta warships frequently operate and fire weapons in coastal waters," another local resident from Hsintetmaw Village said. "Villagers who can afford to stay ashore have stopped fishing out of fear of the navy. But impoverished families who rely on daily earnings must risk their lives to fish."

Fearing attacks from junta warships at sea, residents from local villages, including Hsintetmaw, Kalarthein, and Soemelkyi, have fled to safer areas.

In recent days, the military regime has intensified naval operations and launched heavy artillery and airstrikes along the border between Sittwe and Werathani townships.