Locals flee homes in northern Maungdaw amid ARSA threat

By Admin 28 Oct 2025

DMG Newsroom

27 October 2025, Maungdaw

Residents of several villages in northern Maungdaw Township, along the Arakan-Bangladesh border, are reportedly fleeing their homes due to security concerns over threats posed by the Muslim armed group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).

According to local sources, people from about five villages-Donenyo, Ahtet Innchaung, Aut Innchaing, Ngatet, and Byarshwe-are relocating to safer areas due to border clashes and ARSA activities.

Locals say the reason for fleeing is that ARSA members frequently enter remote villages, arrest and kill residents, and kidnap people.

"We have been moving here for almost a week. Those who can afford it move first. There are about four households from Khwasone Village in Maungdaw Township and three households from Gyeitchaung Village. Some have also moved to Buthidaung," said an ethnic Mro man from northern Maungdaw.

Residents reportedly began moving to Khwasone Village and other locations in the third week of October. In Buthidaung Township, some villagers from Aut Pyan Taing and Kyaungsar are gradually relocating to Ahtet Bokalay and Aut Bokalay.

In northern Maungdaw, along the Arakan-Bangladesh border, ARSA, the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO), and the Arakan Rohingya Army are active, and clashes between these Muslim armed groups and the Arakan Army have raised local security concerns.

Muslim armed groups frequently ambush locals and Arakan Army security forces on streets in northern Maungdaw.

A local man in Kyeinchaung Village said, "The villagers moved because they feared ARSA. Since the villages are near the mountains, they face threats, arrests, and killings from ARSA. Their security is no longer guaranteed."

On October 24, ARSA abducted three locals, including a young woman, who were herding cattle at the foot of Mayu Mountain near Kin Chaung Village; they have not yet been found, according to locals.

Earlier, on September 28, Arakan Army security forces discovered the bodies of six locals killed by ARSA near Inn Chaung Village, above border post 56 on the Arakan-Bangladesh border.

Members of the Arakanese, Maramargyi, Mro, Daingnet, and Thet ethnic groups living in northern Maungdaw are reportedly being targeted by ARSA.

"The Arakan Army needs to use force to effectively deal with ARSA and RSO. Since ARSA and RSO have recently been arresting and killing civilians, AA forces also need to be vigilant and suppress them," said a local man in Buthidaung.

The Arakan Army announced on October 23 that it is continuing operations to pursue and clear escaped ARSA members in the Mayu Mountains of Maungdaw Township, aiming to ensure public safety in the region.

Currently, the Arakan Army is prioritizing northern Maungdaw, deploying platoons along the Mayu Mountains, setting up camps, patrolling, and establishing military lines to counter ARSA activities, according to local residents.

The Arakan Army has advised border residents to avoid traveling to remote areas or jungles in small groups and to inform troops if they must travel for important matters.