Weekly Highlights from Arakan (April 13 to 19, 2026)

By Admin 21 Apr 2026

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.

Junta airstrike on Mrauk-U village injures at least 14 civilians

At least 14 civilians, including Buddhist monks, were injured after the Myanmar regime carried out an airstrike on Kyaukselpyin Village in Mrauk-U Township, Arakan State, on April 19.

The injured include three Buddhist monks, two women, and at least nine men.

The victims are currently receiving emergency medical treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.

The bombing also completely destroyed the village monastery and an ordination hall. In addition, five cattle were killed and one was injured in the attack.

The regime carried out two airstrikes on Kyaukselpyin Village on the same day, the first around 10:00 a.m. and the second at approximately 12:00 p.m.

In addition to the attacks in Mrauk-U Township, the regime also conducted airstrikes on Ponnagyun Town and Yayphyukan Village on the same day.

Human rights activists have condemned the regime for committing war crimes by deliberately and systematically targeting civilian-populated towns and villages.

Arakan Army grants amnesty to 67 detainees in Maungdaw including POWs and ARSA-linked individuals

The Arakan Army (AA) granted amnesty to 67 detainees, including prisoners of war captured during fighting and individuals linked to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, on April 17 to mark the Myanmar New Year.

Those released include 35 prisoners of war, three individuals associated with the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, four people involved in arms and ammunition smuggling, and 25 others detained for various offenses.

An official from an Arakan Army detention facility said that prisoners of war captured during the conflict are held in accordance with the laws of war and released on humanitarian grounds.

Sources close to the detention camps said that more than 30 Muslims were among those released.

On April 10, to mark the 17th anniversary of the Arakan Army’s founding, 21 prisoners of war captured during the Paletwa fighting were released, following the release of 30 detainees on March 4.

Military observers in Arakan State said the Arakan Army has consistently released prisoners of war on humanitarian grounds.

Meanwhile, the regime has carried out airstrikes on detention sites where prisoners of war and their family members are being held.

Thousands of prisoners of war and their family members are currently being detained by the Arakan Army amid the latest fighting in Arakan State. According to data compiled by DMG, more than 2,000 individuals have been released by the Arakan Army between 2024 and 2026.

Junta warships increase presence off Ramree coast

Junta warships have increased their movements along the coast of Ramree Township in Arakan State, an area controlled by the Arakan Army.

Local residents said the vessels have been approaching and anchoring near the shore in recent days.

Although junta warships had withdrawn toward the open sea from Ramree Township since late 2024, they began reappearing in areas close to the beach starting in the second week of April.

Since April 11, two Myanmar Navy vessels have been anchored near Kyauknimaw Village, causing difficulties for fishermen and maritime travelers. The presence of these ships has also instilled fear among local villagers.

On April 12, the two warships seized a fishing boat from Kyauknimaw Village and looted fish and fishing gear. The junta soldiers reportedly threatened to shoot the fishermen if they were encountered again before releasing them.

According to investigations by DMG, at least six junta warships have been observed operating during April in the waters between Ramree and Manaung, Ramree and Taungup, and the sea bordering Ramree and Kyaukphyu.

Ramree Island, which comprises Ramree and Kyaukphyu townships, is separated by a strait only about 20 miles wide from Manaung Island, which remains under regime control. It is also more than 40 miles away from Kyaukphyu, where fighting is currently taking place.

Having lost inland territories in Arakan State, the regime has expanded its maritime presence by sending at least 30 warships from Hainggyi Island in Ayeyarwady Region along the Arakan coast since the beginning of this year.

These warships mainly rely on naval bases in Manaung, Kyaukphyu, and Sittwe as their strongholds. They are deployed across southern Arakan State in Gwa, Thandwe, Manaung, and Kyaukphyu, as well as up to the mouth of the Naf River on the Bangladesh border in northern Arakan State.

Furthermore, the regime is using its naval forces to reinforce troops, provide artillery support for inland battles, and block the entry of goods and medicine into areas controlled by the Arakan Army.

ULA Health Department urges vigilance over measles outbreak near Bangladesh border

The Department of Health under the United League of Arakan has issued an advisory urging the Arakanese public to remain highly vigilant following a measles outbreak in neighbouring Bangladesh, which borders Arakan State.

The outbreak in Bangladesh has been ongoing for more than a week, with fatalities reported among infected patients.

The Department of Health has cautioned residents in border areas such as Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Pauktaw and Paletwa to take extra precautions.

Measles is an airborne disease that spreads through coughing and sneezing. Health officials emphasized that the virus can infect people of all ages, with children who have not yet been vaccinated at greater risk.

Symptoms include high fever, coughing, a runny nose, red eyes and watery eyes. Three to four days after the onset of fever, red rashes appear across the body, and white spots may develop inside the mouth.

The Department of Health has urged the public to get vaccinated, avoid contact with infected or suspected cases, and refrain from visiting crowded places.

Officials also advised washing hands with soap before meals, wearing masks when going outdoors, and seeking immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital, clinic or rural health center if symptoms appear.

The public has also been encouraged to report any suspected measles cases in their communities to the relevant health authorities without delay.

According to a report by AFP, more than 600 measles cases were recorded in Bangladesh in March, prompting emergency screenings nationwide.

Kyaukphyu IDPs sheltering in Ramree face severe livelihood hardships

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Kyaukphyu Township taking refuge in Ramree Township, Arakan State, say they are facing severe hardships related to food and shelter.

The IDPs have struggled to survive on their own for nearly two years amid a lack of aid, limited job opportunities, and rising commodity prices, making it increasingly difficult to sustain their livelihoods.

Thousands of Kyaukphyu residents fled to Ramree Township after the Arakan Army issued a warning in April 2024 for residents to relocate in advance to avoid being trapped by intensified fighting in the township.

Meanwhile, residents from villages such as Pyaingsaekay, Hnanphetaung, Ohntaw, Mindattaung, and Shaukchaung have also been displaced to Ramree Township since mid-2024 due to threats from junta troops.

Some organizations provide approximately K50,000 per month in aid to IDPs from Kyaukphyu Township, but those who moved to Ramree Township are not eligible for such assistance.

IDPs in Ramree are facing a severe livelihood crisis and are hoping to receive humanitarian aid.

Even before the Kyaukphyu battle began, more than 10,000 residents from about 20 villages in Kyaukphyu Township had already fled due to military tensions, with the majority taking shelter in Ramree Township.

After fighting began in Kyaukphyu, residents from another 40 villages were forced to flee due to the threat of heavy artillery and airstrikes by the regime.

There are more than 60,000 IDPs from Kyaukphyu Township, with about half struggling with various crises in areas controlled by the Arakan Army and in Ramree Township.

ULA higher education initiative seen as major opportunity for Arakanese youth

Arakanese youth say the launch of higher education programmes by the United League of Arakan (ULA) is a significant opportunity amid ongoing conflict that has disrupted education across Arakan State.

The Department of Education under the ULA has opened higher education programmes for undergraduates who have yet to complete their degrees. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026-2027 academic year for fourth year and fifth year law programmes, covering both distance learning and day classes.

Many young people in Arakan State have seen their education cut short due to the conflict, leaving them uncertain about their future and struggling to support their families.

Telecommunications and internet blackouts, along with limited job opportunities, have further compounded the situation, forcing some to seek work abroad through various means.

The lack of a supportive environment for youth to build their futures in their home region has led to a significant loss of human resources. In this context, the Arakan Army’s efforts to expand the education sector and create opportunities for young people are being viewed as a practical and necessary initiative.

However, ongoing airstrikes by the Myanmar regime in Arakan State continue to pose serious challenges to ensuring a safe learning environment.

The Arakan Army, which controls most of the territory in Arakan State, has established administrative mechanisms and is managing the region through departments covering administration, judiciary, public services, health, and education.