AA Forcefully Evicts Rohingya at Gunpoint in Maungdaw

The Arakan Army (AA) has reportedly forcefully evicted Rohingya villagers from Gunnah Hamlet in the Ngant Chaung village tract of northern Maungdaw Township at gunpoint, issuing a strict deadline for their departure.

According to residents, the AA ordered them to vacate their homes by 6 PM on February 1st. While some villagers fled immediately, others who remained behind were later forced out at gunpoint.

“The Arakan Army ordered us to leave the village by 6 PM on February 1st. Some villagers left immediately, while others stayed behind. However, those who remained were later forced out at gunpoint,” a villager recounted.

Reports indicate that AA militants threatened the villagers, warning that if anyone remained beyond the deadline, they would be shot and killed.

“Last week, some members of the Arakan Army came to our village, met with the residents, and ordered us to leave within the week without giving any reason. Most of the villagers fled and sought shelter in nearby paddy fields, while some remained behind after consulting with the armed group,” another villager stated.

However, a second group of AA militants later arrived and ordered those who had stayed to leave immediately, reiterating that anyone left behind would be executed.

Fearing for their lives, all villagers fled by the evening of February 1st. Many are now sheltering in nearby paddy fields with no alternative refuge.

A source confirmed, “All the villagers left on February 1st out of fear. They had no choice but to flee to save themselves from being targeted by the Arakan Army.”

The source further stated that some villagers are now planning to flee to Bangladesh to escape the ongoing persecution.

Gunnah Hamlet was home to 73 households and approximately 500 Rohingya residents. By the evening of February 1st, the entire village had been forcibly emptied by the Arakan Army.

This latest forced displacement underscores the continuing plight of the Rohingya in Arakan State, as they face systematic persecution, forced evictions, and life-threatening violence.

Rohingya Vision News