27 Arakanese arrested in Ayeyarwady Region over alleged AA links

By Admin 10 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

10 February 2026, Yekyi, Ayeyarwady Region

Myanmar’s military regime has arrested 27 Arakanese people, including local residents and internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltering in Ayeyarwady Region, over alleged links to the Arakan Army (AA).

The arrests were carried out throughout January in several townships, including Ngapudaw, Hainggyi Island, Laymyethna, Yekyi, Ngayokekaung, Ngathainggyoung, and Shwe Thaung Yan.

“We don’t know the personal details of everyone detained, but they are ordinary civilians and IDPs. From what we have heard, some have been formally charged, while others remain in incommunicado detention,” said an Arakanese man living in Ayeyarwady Region.

Among those detained are 22 men and five women: three from Ngapudaw, six from Hainggyi Island, three from Yekyi, four from Laymyethna, four from Ngayokekaung, three from Ngathainggyoung, and four from Shwe Thaung Yan.

Since the Arakan Army launched its offensive in 2025, the military regime has stepped up its crackdown on Arakanese people and IDPs in Ayeyarwady Region, frequently carrying out arrests and handing down prison sentences.

According to Arakanese residents in the region, at least 50 Arakanese people were arrested last year on suspicion of having ties to the Arakan Army.

Many have since been sentenced to prison under the Counter-Terrorism Law and the Unlawful Associations Act.

“Since fighting began in Ayeyarwady Region, both Arakanese IDPs and local residents have faced oppression from the military regime and administrative officials. They face difficulties registering as overnight guests and are often pressured to return to their homes. If they are targeted, they are arrested on allegations of having links to the Arakan Army. Arakanese people have to live with extreme caution,” said an Arakanese woman displaced in Laymyethna Township.

The Arakan Army, working with local resistance forces, has been carrying out military operations in Yekyi, Laymyethna, Thabaung, Pathein, and Ingapu townships.