Weekly Highlights from Arakan State (Jan 12-18, 2026)

By Admin 20 Jan 2026

In an era when daily news from Arakan is often fragmented and fast-changing, DMG's Weekly Highlights of Arakan brings clarity, depth, and context to the stories that matter most.

Each week, we round up key political, military, social, and humanitarian developments across Arakan State - connecting the dots between events and offering analysis to help audiences see the bigger picture.

This series is designed for readers and viewers seeking a concise yet comprehensive understanding of how ongoing conflict, governance shifts, and community issues continue to shape lives across Arakan.

Arakan Army tightens security along Arakan–Bangladesh border

The Arakan Army (AA) is reportedly strengthening security along the Arakan–Bangladesh border amid threats posed by Muslim armed groups.

Fierce fighting broke out on January 11 and 12 after Muslim armed groups ambushed and opened fire on AA security outposts near Kyee Island and Nanthattaung Village along the Naf River in Maungdaw Township, according to local sources.

Following the clashes, the AA increased border security with full manpower and weapons and has been conducting clearance operations in the area.

Local residents said they remain on high alert, fearing for their safety after Muslim armed men were seen moving through forested areas near villages.

In Maungdaw Township, locals and travelling traders face ongoing security threats, including arrests, killings and ambushes by Muslim armed groups.

According to a list compiled by DMG, 21 civilians were killed, nine were injured and others went missing in northern Arakan State in 2025 due to ARSA-related violence.

The AA is continuing operations to hunt down armed groups threatening local security, clear potential hideouts, and establish camps and border posts in the Mayu mountain range.

Water shortages worsen for displaced people in Kyaukphyu amid fighting

Residents and internally displaced people (IDPs) say those displaced by fighting in Kyaukphyu Township are facing an acute shortage of drinking water as clashes between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakan Army intensify.

Kyaukphyu Township experiences water shortages every year during the winter and summer seasons. This year, however, the situation has worsened due to population growth and a sharp increase in the number of displaced people.

As fighting escalates and spreads to new areas, the number of IDPs continues to rise. Many are living in makeshift tents in forests, mountains and farmland, where access to wells and reliable water sources is extremely limited.

In response, the Phyu Sin Yin Khwin Foundation and the Zinchaung Youth Association have begun drilling water wells in collaboration.

Kyaukphyu Township has more than 250 villages. While some have access to tube wells for drinking water, most rely on earthen tanks to collect and store rainwater.

Villages with limited access to drinking water often face shortages of reservoirs and must transport water each year by boat or vehicle.

There are more than 50,000 displaced people in Kyaukphyu Township, many of whom are in urgent need of food, clothing and healthcare, in addition to clean drinking water.

ULA opens medical school to improve healthcare in Arakan State

The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA), which controls most of Arakan State, has opened a medical school to strengthen healthcare services for the local population.

According to a statement, the medical school was opened by the ULA Department of Public Health to meet the growing need for doctors and better serve the healthcare needs of people in Arakan State.

The department began accepting applications on December 24, 2025.

The statement said the school targets young people who wish to pursue a career in medicine and take on national responsibilities in the development of Arakan State.

Applicants must be residents of Arakan State and under the age of 25, though applicants from outside the state may also apply if they meet the specified educational requirements.

The medical programme will last seven years, and graduates will be required to sign an oath to serve as employees of the ULA Department of Public Health.

Separately, the department is also recruiting women aged 25 and over for midwifery training in August 2025.

Middle school student found dead in Kyeintali

The body of a middle school student who died from stab wounds was found by local residents on the afternoon of January 10 in Kaingtawkwin Village, Kyeintali Town, Gwa Township.

The victim was found on the shore near the village at around 2:30 p.m. with multiple knife wounds.

According to local sources, the body had two stab wounds to the neck, two to the left chest, and one to the abdomen.

The deceased was identified as Maung Lin Myat Aung, a 15-year-old student from Nyaungpinkwin Village in Thandwe Township.

The Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security is investigating the case.

Separately, on January 13, an elderly man was killed at his home in Taungup Township, and more than K7 million was reported missing.

Junta naval shelling kills couple in Kyaukphyu village

A Myanmar Navy warship fired a mortar shell that killed a couple in their 30s in Thaphanchaung Village, Kyaukphyu Township.

The couple were killed at around 10 p.m. on January 14 when a junta warship docked offshore shelled the village with heavy weapons, according to local residents.

The victims were identified as U Kyaw Tun Win, 34, and Daw Khin Lin Oo, 32.

Villagers are reportedly fleeing the area amid continued airstrikes and naval shelling by the military regime.

According to a DMG tally, 36 local residents were killed and 73 others were injured in Kyaukphyu Township in 2025 as a result of air, drone and naval attacks by the military regime.

Residents in AA-held areas face tighter travel restrictions

Residents of townships controlled by the Arakan Army are now allowed to travel outside Arakan State only for health, trade and other social needs after obtaining approval from ward, village, local and township administrators, according to local residents.

The United League of Arakan has tightened restrictions on people eligible for conscription under the National Defence Emergency Provision (NDEP) amid an increase in residents attempting to leave the state.

Travel outside Arakan State has been restricted since 2025. At that time, traders travelling to Magway Region faced strict inspections, while restrictions on traders travelling to India were imposed in 2026.

Local residents said the step-by-step process of obtaining recommendation letters has slowed travel.

Some young men eligible for military service are reportedly seeking to leave for mainland Myanmar to pursue education.

The Arakan Army controls 14 townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in Chin State, where it is carrying out administrative and judicial functions.