ARSA ambushes, abductions threaten Maungdaw border residents

By Admin 22 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

22 July 2026, Maungdaw

Residents in northern Maungdaw Township, an area controlled by the Arakan Army, say members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) have recently carried out ambushes, abductions and extortion along the Bangladesh border.

On July 17, five merchants from Aungthabyay Village in Maungdaw Township were ambushed and shot at by ARSA members while traveling toward Bandoola Village near the border.

Local residents said one trader was shot and abducted by ARSA members, while the other four managed to escape.

"One man was taken. The other four fled immediately during the attack. The abducted man was shot before being captured, but he was released on July 21 after a ransom of 5 million Bangladeshi taka was paid," a local resident familiar with the incident told DMG.

The released victim was identified as 41-year-old U Tun Maung. The four others who escaped were U Tha Noe Aung, 50; U Ba Kha Ya, 50; Ko John Go, 20; and Ko Robi Aung, 18.

The incident occurred along the Maungdaw-Kyeinchaung-Bandoola road section near the Bangladesh border. Residents said armed groups based across the border frequently cross into Arakan State to threaten, target and abduct local people.

Because of the infiltration of armed groups from the border area, local traders and farmers face ongoing security risks.

"With no other job opportunities available, many residents risk their lives working as traders. They travel between Bandoola Village and Taungpyo near the border. Traders are essentially risking their lives just to earn a living," a Maungdaw resident said.

Although the Arakan Army has established security outposts along the route, residents said the remote and rugged terrain allows ARSA members to carry out ambushes against civilians and Arakan Army personnel.

The Arakan Army has advised residents in border areas to inform its administrative and security checkpoints before traveling, except in urgent medical emergencies.

The affected area is located near Border Posts 48, 49, 50 and 51, where villages including Aungthabyay, Tatchaung, Aungchantha and Yeaungchaung are located.

The area is home to ethnic communities including Arakanese, Chakma, Mro and Thet people, many of whom depend on cross-border trade and agriculture for their livelihoods.

Although the Arakan Army captured Maungdaw Township in December 2024 and currently oversees border security, administration and law enforcement, it continues to face activities by armed groups including ARSA, the Rohingya Solidarity Organization and the Arakan Rohingya Army.