AA Destroys Mosques in Nan Yar Kone, Buthidaung

In a chilling act of destruction, the Arakan Army (AA) has reportedly demolished four mosques in Nan Yar Kone village, located in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State. Among the buildings destroyed were mosques that also served as Arabic religious schools, vital community centers for the Rohingya population.

Local residents, who spoke exclusively to Arakan Now, have confirmed that after taking control of the village, AA forces proceeded to loot the properties of the Rohingya villagers. Items reportedly taken include rice mills, machinery, vehicles, and motorcycles, all essential to the livelihoods of the community.

This destruction of religious and cultural landmarks is a stark reminder of the ongoing oppression faced by the Rohingya in Rakhine State. The mosques, which were central to the spiritual and social life of the village, are now reduced to rubble, leaving many in the community grieving not only for their homes but for the erasure of their cultural and religious heritage.

The attack comes as part of a disturbing trend of increasing violence against the Rohingya, who continue to endure persecution at the hands of both Myanmar’s military and armed groups like the Arakan Army.

The actions of the Arakan Army have left the residents of Nan Yar Kone in a state of fear and uncertainty. With key infrastructure destroyed and their property looted, the Rohingya in the area face an even more dire future. Many of the villagers have fled to other parts of the region, while others remain trapped, unable to return to their homes.

Human rights groups have condemned these acts as part of the broader pattern of ethnic cleansing and religious persecution targeting the Rohingya people. The international community has once again been urged to hold the perpetrators accountable for these heinous acts and take immediate steps to protect the Rohingya from further harm.

As the Arakan Army continues its operations in northern Rakhine, it remains crucial for the world to monitor and respond to these violations. The destruction of mosques and looting of civilian property should not be normalized, and the Rohingya people’s right to live in peace and practice their faith must be upheld.

Rohingya Vision News will continue to track developments in the region and advocate for the safety, dignity, and rights of the Rohingya people in Myanmar and beyond.