Arakan Army strengthens maritime security along Bangladesh border

By Admin 30 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

29 January 2026, Maungdaw

The Arakan Army has recently intensified maritime security operations along the border between Arakan State and Bangladesh, according to sources close to the ethnic armed group.

To address security threats faced by local residents and curb the activities of Muslim armed groups, the Arakan Army is carrying out clearance operations along the land border while maintaining regular patrols in Arakan territorial waters.

“The Arakan Army is launching strong offensives against positions held by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army near the border,” said a source close to the group. “The main focus is counter terrorism and public safety. Alongside ground operations, Arakan Army speedboats are regularly patrolling border waters.”

The Arakan Army is also reportedly increasing enforcement actions and arrests against Bangladeshi nationals who enter the Bay of Bengal and the mouth of the Naf River for illegal fishing activities.

Residents in Maungdaw said clashes frequently occur as Muslim armed groups often launch attacks on Arakan Army outposts. Border residents said the groups typically retreat into Bangladeshi territory after launching attacks when pursued by Arakan Army forces.

“They use guerrilla tactics to carry out ambush attacks on border outposts almost daily. These groups usually strike late at night, around 2:30 AM, when people are asleep. Whenever they attack, Arakan Army members respond effectively, forcing them to flee back to the Bangladesh side,” a local border resident said.

Frequent clashes have been reported near villages including Wailartaung, Taungpyo Letwe, Leikya and Nanthartaung, where Muslim armed groups take advantage of dense jungle terrain to attack Arakan Army bases.

Local residents said they welcome the Arakan Army’s increased security presence, citing previous incidents in which Muslim armed groups carried out acts of violence, including the abduction and killing of villagers.