Arakan Army releases POWs and family members from Kyauktaw detention site

By Admin 20 Mar 2026

DMG Newsroom

20 March 2026, Kyauktaw

The Arakan Army (AA) announced on March 20 that it has released prisoners of war (POWs) and their family members captured during fighting in Arakan State, citing humanitarian grounds.

The released individuals were held at the Chaungtu detention site in Kyauktaw Township.

Those freed expressed gratitude to the Arakan Army for providing healthcare and essential support during their detention.

“From the moment we were captured until now, we endured many hardships. Our group included pregnant women, children, young girls and the elderly. We are grateful to the Arakan Army for treating us with dignity and taking care of us,” said Ma May Zin Win, one of the released individuals.

The Chaungtu detention site had previously been targeted by military regime airstrikes. On January 20, the facility was hit in an aerial attack while detainees were being held there.

“For two years, they provided for our needs. However, we experienced airstrikes, including the use of large bombs. We were terrified and feared we would not survive. Now, we have been granted amnesty,” Ma May Zin Win added.

The Arakan Army has seized 14 townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in Chin State. While it has captured large numbers of POWs and their family members during the conflict, the group has been releasing detainees in phases on humanitarian grounds.

“The Arakan Army took care of my family with compassion. I am thankful that we have now been released,” said Ko Aye Thaung Paing, another freed individual.

Sources said military airstrikes have also targeted locations where POWs were being held or prepared for release, resulting in casualties among detainees.