Regime detains nearly 400 Muslims in Sittwe

By Admin 27 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

27 January 2026, Sittwe

Nearly 400 Muslims, including people travelling by boat from Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Kyauktaw townships as well as residents of Sittwe, remain in the custody of Myanmar’s military regime in the Arakan State capital, according to Muslim community sources.

Those detained were arrested by the regime over the past month and have been held in Sittwe for nearly four weeks.

“Between those captured at sea and those arrested inside the city, there are nearly 400 people in total. Some are being held in the main prison, while others can be seen from outside being detained in wards previously used for Covid 19 patients,” a Muslim man in Sittwe told DMG.

Of the 248 Muslims detained on January 1, the regime released 28 minors and handed them over to a displacement camp committee. However, local sources said families were required to pay K2.5 million per person to the junta for the release of the 28 youths.

Muslims in Sittwe are currently facing arbitrary arrests, interrogation and forced conscription, with many reportedly undergoing military training under regime orders.

Some Muslim recruits have also reportedly deserted due to oppression within the military, prompting the regime to launch intensive manhunts to recapture those who fled.

Reports have also emerged that an investigation team from Nay Pyi Taw has arrived in Sittwe to examine Muslim related affairs.

Local brokers have reportedly instructed Muslim residents to tell the investigation team, if questioned, that immigration services are being provided free of charge.

“It is likely related to the ICJ case. An investigation team from Nay Pyi Taw has been inspecting Muslim affairs recently. We do not know the full details of their activities, but we heard brokers are coaching people to say that immigration services are being provided without any fees,” another Sittwe resident said.

Residents in Sittwe continue to suffer under the military regime’s comprehensive blockades, facing severe hardship in livelihoods, healthcare and daily survival.