AA Forcibly Recruiting Youths in Northern Maungdaw

Reports have emerged of the Arakan Army (AA) forcibly and systematically recruiting Rohingya youths and individuals from other ethnic groups in northern Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, Myanmar.

Both male and female youths under the age of 30 are being targeted in villages such as Aung Mingalar, Pa Wet Chaung, Thet Ye Oke, Rwa Yone Taung, Ken Pyin, Spay Pyin Yin, Kapa Gaung, Nga Khu Ra, Bowthula, Ink Thula, and Taung Pyo. Residents describe an atmosphere of fear and intimidation as the Arakan Army continues its recruitment campaign.

A local Rakhine resident shared, “Members of the Arakan Army (AA), wearing official uniforms and carrying weapons, first came to Nga Khu Ra village on December 25th. They inspected the village, abducted youths, and dragged them into the battalion in Ka Maung Seik for forced recruitment.”

Similar operations were conducted in other villages on December 26th, where armed members of the Arakan Army abducted numerous individuals, including females, for recruitment into their ranks. These actions are reportedly ongoing, escalating fears among local communities.

Disturbingly, the abductees include individuals in poor health, minors, pregnant women, and refugees who had fled Maungdaw town amid ongoing conflict. Families of those detained expressed grave concern for the safety and well-being of their loved ones, highlighting the plight of vulnerable groups caught in the Arakan Army’s aggressive recruitment drive.

Rohingya Vision News will continue to monitor and report on this developing situation.

Rohingya Vision News