AA Forcibly Abducts Rohingya Youths in Buthidaung

In the early hours of October 28, 2024, the Arakan Army (AA) launched a forceful raid on Kin Daung, a Rohingya village near Phone Nyo Leik in northern Buthidaung Township, Arakan State. Villagers report that AA members encircled the hamlet, conducted a house-to-house search, and detained over 27 Rohingya youths without any stated cause.

“The village was surrounded, and every house was searched,” recounted a local resident. “They took any youth they came across, without giving a reason, and led them away.”

Residents, describing the scene, emphasized that those taken had no affiliations with any groups and were innocent civilians. They further stated that AA members restricted the movement of all villagers, warning that anyone attempting to flee during the raid would be shot on sight.

The detainees were reportedly transported to AA’s Battalion No. 09, known as “Naymay 09,” located in Taung Bazar, northern Buthidaung. Multiple sources indicate that the AA is forcing the abducted youths to join their ranks, placing them on the frontlines as human shields in ongoing conflicts.

This incident highlights growing concerns over forced recruitment practices within the Rohingya community in northern Buthidaung, as the Arakan Army continues its operations across Arakan State amidst intensifying conflict with Myanmar’s Military Council. The Rohingya community calls for immediate international intervention to address these human rights abuses and ensure the safety and protection of civilians.

Rohingya Vision News