Arakan Army Forcibly Recruiting Youths in Arakan

Reports from Arakan State indicate that the Arakan Army (AA) is forcibly recruiting youths aged 14 and above across townships such as Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Pauktaw, and Ponnagyun. According to a local source from Pauktaw, families unable to provide a recruit are being extorted for 10 lakh kyat per household. Failure to comply leads to accusations of treason, with family members being detained at AA camps.

As a result, many young people and their families are fleeing Arakan State to larger cities, using any available routes to escape the forced conscription.

“During the first clashes, the Arakan Army AA pressured us to provide food and rations despite our hardships. Now, they demand youths aged 14 and above join their forces. If we can’t send someone, we must pay 10 lakh kyat per household. If we refuse, they accuse us of treason. Many parents are sending their children to Yangon and Mandalay to avoid conscription, but if the AA catches them en route, both the children and their families are detained and forced to the front lines,” a local from Rathedaung Township reported.

While the AA media portrays a narrative of freedom for people in areas under their control, the reality is quite different. Local residents face daily hardships, including food shortages and exploitation by AA members, creating significant distress for families. A resident from Buthidaung confirmed these ongoing challenges.

Rohingya Vision News