Weekly Highlights of Arakan (October 27-November 2)

By Admin 04 Nov 2025

In an era when daily news from Arakan is often fragmented and fast-changing, DMG's Weekly Highlights of Arakan brings clarity, depth, and context to the stories that matter most.

Each week, we round up key political, military, social, and humanitarian developments across Arakan State - connecting the dots between events and offering analysis to help audiences see the bigger picture.

This series is designed for readers and viewers seeking a concise yet comprehensive understanding of how ongoing conflict, governance shifts, and community issues continue to shape lives across Arakan.

■ Death toll rises in Arakan State as military targets civilians

The death toll continues to rise as Myanmar's military regime steps up attacks on civilians in Arakan State.

Air, drone and artillery strikes killed 12 civilians, including children, and injured 31 others in Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, Sittwe and Kyaukphyu townships between October 29 and 31.

The Arakan Army has warned of heightened military alertness as the regime intensifies air, drone and missile attacks on AA-controlled townships.

Analysts predict that the regime's ceasefire with the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in northern Shan State could lead to escalated offensives elsewhere, including in Arakan State.

■ Maungdaw's Muslim Council condemns ARSA, RSO activities

The Maungdaw District Muslim Affairs Council issued a statement on October 25 condemning the arrests, torture and killings of local residents by the Muslim armed groups Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO). The Council said these acts threaten peace, stability and the rule of law in the region.

It noted that since the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) took control of Maungdaw District, the area has become significantly more peaceful, with improvements in religion, education, health and tourism.

Muslims are now allowed to serve in ULA departments, and Muslim elders can form juries to handle religious and traditional matters - developments welcomed by the local community.

The Council warned, however, that continued abuses by ARSA and RSO threaten this progress. It also criticized some foreign organizations, including Fortify Rights, for allegedly ignoring the voices of peaceful communities and relying on information from armed groups, which it said undermines social harmony.

■ Locals flee northern Maungdaw amid ARSA threats

Residents of several villages in northern Maungdaw Township along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border are fleeing their homes due to security threats from ARSA.

Villagers from Donenyo, Ahtet Innchaung, Aut Innchaing, Ngatet and Byarshwe have relocated to safer areas amid escalating clashes and ARSA activity.

ARSA, RSO and the Arakan Rohingya Army are active in northern Maungdaw, and clashes between these groups and the Arakan Army have raised security concerns. Local sources report that ARSA frequently ambushes both residents and AA security forces.

Members of the Arakanese, Maramargyi, Mro, Daingnet and Thet ethnic groups in the area have reportedly been targeted.

■ ARSA threatens to seize control of Arakan State

The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) has threatened to attack and seize control of Arakan State.

ARSA leader Sheikh Burhan made the threat during the group's ninth anniversary rally on October 9, with the statement publicized on October 26.

The group continues to carry out ambushes and attacks on Arakan Army positions along the Bangladesh border, as well as killings of civilians in Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung townships.

■ Nearly 1,000 civilians killed, over 2,000 injured since fighting resumed

From November 13, 2023, when renewed fighting for control of Arakan State began, to September 30, 2025, Myanmar's military regime killed 970 civilians, injured 2,054, and detained 1,000 people through air and ground attacks, according to the United League of Arakan's Humanitarian and Development Cooperation Office (HDCO).

Of the total fatalities, 443 people were killed and 1,015 injured in junta airstrikes. Among the dead were 375 children under 18, accounting for 18 percent of total casualties. Most victims were Arakanese, along with members of the Muslim, Maramargyi, Hindu, Khami and Thet communities.

Between October 24 and 27, the regime conducted air and artillery attacks in Thandwe, Taungup, Ann, Kyaukphyu and Ponnagyun townships, killing one civilian and injuring four others.

■ Dr. Aye Maung pledges to address soaring commodity prices

Arakan Front Party (AFP) Chairman Dr. Aye Maung has pledged to tackle rising commodity prices and food shortages in Arakan State if elected.

He made the remarks during a junta-controlled radio and television broadcast on October 30, outlining AFP's policy priorities including development of industrial zones, promotion of border trade, repatriation of displaced people and socio-economic recovery.

Dr. Aye Maung is contesting the Upper House Constituency No. 3 in Sittwe Township under the first-past-the-post system.

The regime plans to hold the first phase of its election only in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Manaung, the three townships it currently controls.

Many local residents believe Dr. Aye Maung's participation serves the military's political interests.

■ Nearly one in five women in Arakan State married before 18: census

Nearly 20 percent of women in Arakan State were married before the age of 18 - the highest rate in the country - according to the 2024 Population and Housing Census released by Myanmar's military regime.

Arakan State recorded a rate of 19.9 percent, followed by Shan State at 13.5 percent. The total fertility rate was also highest in Arakan at 2.8, compared with 2.2 in Ayeyarwady Region and Kachin State.

The birth rate among adolescent girls aged 15-19 was 13 per 1,000, with Arakan and Shan recording the highest figures.

Children under 15 accounted for 25.2 percent of the population in 2024, down from 28.6 percent in 2014 - a decline of about one-quarter over the decade.

The census counted 168,602 males and 176,828 females, totaling 345,430 people in Arakan State, with an estimated 2.18 million people uncounted.

This has been a selection of the week's highlights from Arakan State. Stay tuned for this program every Tuesday.

May all Arakanese people be healthy and prosperous.