Seventeen Rohingya men have been abducted from northern Buthidaung Township, Arakan State, Myanmar, by the Arakan Army (AA). The abductions occurred within the last week of September 2024.
Among those taken are Mohammad Karim and Jani Alom, residents of Kyaung Pork village. In addition, 15 more Rohingya youths from South Badaka village were also abducted.
A local source disclosed that these men were taken to an undisclosed location, and their whereabouts remain unknown. The source added, βThe youths were abducted for forced recruitment into the Arakan Army.β
Rohingya villagers in Kyaung Pork and Badaka are regularly extorted by the AA, having to provide food and, at times, pay 10,000 MMK per household. These actions are part of a broader pattern of oppression by the group.
One Rohingya man who managed to escape after being forcibly recruited explained that abducted youths are taken to the AA’s base camp, where they undergo 15 days of militia training. Afterward, they are sent to the frontlines as human shields, without any equipment. He added, βMany of those coerced into joining have been killed during combat with the Myanmar military, while others remain imprisoned or are sent to fight.β
The security situation in Buthidaung Township is rapidly deteriorating as forced conscription, abductions, killings, and extortion by the Arakan Army continue unabated. Despite the AA’s control over the entire township, these abuses show no signs of abating.
Rohingya Vision News
More Stories
Rohingya Still Barred from Returning to Maungdaw
For thousands of displaced Rohingya in Maungdaw Township, today was supposed to be a turning pointβa chance to finally go...
AA Forced Conscription Terrifies Rohingya Youth
For 22-year-old Rahim (name changed for safety), life in Maungdaw was already filled with uncertainty. Now, with the Arakan Army...
Rohingya Forced to Flee Their Homes in Maungdaw
Maungdaw, Arakan State β Over 70 Rohingya families from Northern Myaw Taung Village in Maungdaw Township have been torn from...
AA Extorts Food from Rohingya in Maungdaw
Maungdaw, Arakan State β The Arakan Army (AA), which has maintained full control over Maungdaw Township since December 8, 2024,...
UN Warns of Rohingya Crisis as Aid Cuts Threaten
COXβS BAZAR β UN Secretary-General AntΓ³nio Guterres has warned of an impending humanitarian disaster in Rohingya refugee camps following significant...
AA Burns Rohingya Villages in Buthidaung
Buthidaung, March 9, 2025 β The Arakan Army (AA) has reportedly set fire to multiple Rohingya villages in Buthidaung Township,...