At least 47 civilians killed or injured by ARSA in just over a year

By Admin 02 Oct 2025

DMG Newsroom

2 October 2025, Maungdaw

From May 2024 through the end of September 2025, at least 36 civilians were killed and no fewer than 11 others injured in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships along the Arakan-Bangladesh border due to attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), according to figures compiled by DMG.

Local residents say members of the Arakanese, Mro, Thet, and Khami communities in Maungdaw District have been targeted by ARSA while traveling for social purposes, engaging in trade, or going out to fish and forage, with assaults often occurring along roads and village paths.

Because of ARSA's abductions and killings, residents of Maungdaw report severe restrictions on movement and an atmosphere of constant fear.

"Even if it is for our livelihoods, we don't dare travel for fear of running into ARSA. The situation in the north is extremely bad, so we can't go anywhere with peace of mind. Even ordinary trips to buy and sell between villages have become difficult," said a woman from Maungdaw.

In September alone, five traders from Tamanthar Village in Maungdaw Township - U Maung Maung Hlaing, U Maung Aye Hlaing, Daw Ei Sandar Nwe, U Maung Kyant Thein, and U Maung Soe Hlaing - were abducted and killed by ARSA.

On August 10, a resident of Chayar Tan Village, also in Maungdaw, was fishing near the Gawdusara Chaung bridge when about 10 ARSA fighters armed with guns emerged from the direction of Du Nyaung Pin Gyi Village. The villager fled in panic but was shot dead.

ARSA has continued abductions and killings of civilians in Maungdaw Township, in addition to mounting assaults on Arakan Army (AA) border security posts.

Residents in Buthidaung Township likewise report security fears, saying people traveling toward Maungdaw for commerce have been killed by ARSA. "Those heading from Buthidaung to Maungdaw for trade have been shot dead by ARSA. Security is far from assured. Villages near the Maungdaw-Rathedaung junctions and close to forests and hills face especially high ARSA risk," said a woman from Buthidaung.

In September, ARSA fighters infiltrated from Bangladeshi territory and attacked AA border security posts at Point 601, located between Border Posts 56 and 57, as well as the Done Nyo Village post.

During those clashes, locals said ARSA fighters abducted, tortured, and killed non-Muslim civilians in nearby areas.

Border security remains volatile, with AA sources acknowledging the difficulty of pursuing ARSA units that conduct raids and then retreat into Bangladeshi territory.

"The AA cannot yet provide full security along some border stretches. ARSA exploits this by slipping across the frontier and killing anyone they encounter rather than letting people go. The AA needs to tighten border security further, and civilians also need to cooperate and act with extra caution," said one Maungdaw resident.

Given the ongoing threat from ARSA, RSO (Rohingya Solidarity Organisation), and allied groups, the AA has urged border residents to avoid traveling alone or in small groups through forests, hills, and remote areas. For emergencies, including medical needs, residents have been advised to notify AA administrative or security units before traveling.

While the AA says it is prioritizing security patrols in border areas, it acknowledges that hit-and-run assaults by Muslim armed groups continue.