Over 600 Mro villagers displaced in Maungdaw amid threats from ARSA, RSO

By Admin 27 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

27 February 2026, Maungdaw

More than 675 ethnic Mro residents from Donenyo village in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, have fled their homes due to escalating threats posed by Muslim armed groups, including the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO).

The displacement follows a series of reported abuses in and around Donenyo Village, including abductions, extortion and killings of local residents.

“The Muslim armed groups are very active in that area, causing immense suffering for villagers. People are terrified to go to their farms or enter the forest to collect firewood because they are frequently abducted and killed,” a Maungdaw resident told DMG.

The displaced villagers are currently sheltering in Thitonenar Khwasone, Kohntaing, Baung, Laymyo Kaydi, Nanyarkaing and Shwetaing Villages. Many are facing food shortages and other humanitarian difficulties.

The Maungdaw District Party Committee, in cooperation with the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO), is providing food, medical assistance and essential relief items to displaced families.

“Some families arrived with savings, but many came with nothing. We have been providing food, blankets, mosquito nets and basic healthcare,” a female HDCO member said.

Despite ongoing assistance, the needs of displaced Mro villagers remain urgent. Having fled their homes, many are struggling to secure livelihoods, and current relief support is insufficient to meet long-term needs.

Muslim armed groups have reportedly been operating clandestinely in Maungdaw, carrying out criminal activities and ambushes against personnel of the Arakan Army (AA).

In September 2025, the groups abducted and killed 10 residents from Tamanthar and Donenyo villages.