Frequent AA-ARSA hostilities reported in Maungdaw Twsp

By Admin 25 Sep 2024

DMG Newsroom
25 September 2024, Maungdaw

Frequent clashes between the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Arakkha Army (AA) have been reported near the Bangladesh border in northern Arakan State's Maungdaw Township over recent days, according to local sources.

Sources said the fighting was triggered by ARSA attacks on AA security posts in the border area.

"Fighting ensued as ARSA, which is active along the Bangladeshi border, ambushed the AA's outposts. Clashes between the AA and ARSA are reported frequently. Fighting between the AA and ARSA erupted near Tamanthar Village on September 23," a local source told DMG.

ARSA members are active along the border, with some reportedly pretending to be civilians. The AA says due to the subterfuge, it is restricting the movement of local residents from village to village as part of measures intended to provide greater security to local populations.

"ARSA has also been killing locals, so the AA has closed the roads. The situation on the ground is precarious because ARSA has frequently threatened AA security posts along the border," said another source.

The Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO), another Muslim militant group active in the region, reportedly attacked an AA camp with small arms fire from Jaliadwip Island in Bangladeshi territory during the nights of September 17 and 18.

AA spokesman U Khaing Thukha could not be reached for comment on the matter.

Five people were killed and two others were severely injured after a civilian vehicle was ambushed by ARSA in northern Maungdaw Township on July 31.

"The Maungdaw area is a really confusing place. As the AA is blocking the offensive against the Border Guard Force (BGF) Battalion No. 5, ARSA, the regime's ally, is also attacking the AA in a different way. I believe that ARSA attacked the AA mainly to divert attention from the battle for control of BGF No. 5," said a military observer in Arakan State.

The AA is continuing to attack Maungdaw in an effort to seize control of the border town. With Muslim armed groups active across the border, there are challenges for the AA to fully control Maungdaw.