Locals in Maungdaw Twsp fret over AA-ARSA clashes

By Admin 08 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

8 September 2025, Maungdaw

There have been frequent clashes between the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Arakan Army (AA) in northern Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, in recent days, and local residents are concerned about security due to ARSA activities along the border.

A clash broke out between ARSA and AA forces near Yaytwinpyin and Kyaukchaung villages in northern Maungdaw at around 10 p.m. on September 6, according to local residents.

"We heard loud gunfire for about half an hour. Locals in Yaytwinpyin Village are worried about the gunfire," said a local man from Maungdaw.

Muslim armed groups are reportedly based in camps in northern Maungdaw and along the Bangladesh border, abducting and killing locals and ambushing AA troops.

ARSA reportedly destroyed basic food supplies of local traders that were stockpiled at Nantthataung Bridge and planted landmines on the night of September 5.

Due to the fighting, residents of Nantthataung, Leikya, Thayargon, Thinbawhla and Kuntheepin are reportedly concerned about their safety and are reluctant to venture outside of their villages and into the forest.

ARSA attacked Nantthataung and Leikya villages and Arakan Army security posts near the Bangladesh border, resulting in heavy fighting on August 22.

Locals say that small-scale clashes are occurring frequently in northern Maungdaw due to ARSA's frequent ambushes of Arakan Army troops and locals.

"In Maungdaw, we often hear the sounds of fighting between the Arakan Army and ARSA. ARSA attacks the Arakan Army and often ambushes locals, so we are worried about the danger when we go there," said a local woman in Maungdaw.

A local resident from Chayartan Village, Maungdaw Township, was reportedly killed by ARSA gunfire while fishing on August 10.

The AA conducted a clearing operation in an area east of Bawdili Old Village, Maungdaw Township, on the morning of August 17. A source familiar with the situation in the area said two camps of the Muslim militant group Rohingya Islami Mahaz (RIM) were found in the area, along with weapons and ammunition.

"Although the AA has deployed security along the border, ARSA and RSO have been coming from Bangladesh at night and threatening AA camps. In addition, Muslim armed groups have been hiding in the deep forests along the border and causing trouble for the locals. The AA has also been providing security to the locals, but they have been unable to do so," said a local resident in Taungpyo town.

While the Arakan Army is placing more emphasis on border security, ARSA continues to carry out ambushes.

The Arakan Army seized control of the entire Maungdaw Township in December 2024 and is currently implementing border security and administrative activities.