Muslim armed groups launch joint attacks on AA in northern Maungdaw    

By Admin 09 Oct 2025

DMG Newsroom

9 October 2025, Maungdaw

Muslim armed groups have reportedly launched coordinated attacks against the Arakan Army (AA) in northern Maungdaw, near the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, according to military sources.

ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) has been attacking AA security camps between border posts No. 51 and 57, while ARA (Arakan Rohingya Army) has launched separate attacks near Kyike Kyun, a military source told DMG.

“The Muslim militant groups are carrying out coordinated assaults. The AA is stepping up its security operations to stabilize the border and maintain territorial control. Many of the militants are retreating into Bangladesh,” the source said.

Previously, only ARSA had been active in northern Maungdaw, but ARA has now reportedly joined forces to attack AA positions.

On 8 October, clashes broke out between ARSA and AA forces along the border, resulting in casualties for ARSA fighters, who subsequently retreated into Bangladeshi territory.

Locals in Maungdaw said they also heard gunfire from the Kyi Kyun area, where ARA has been operating, on 3 and 5 October.

On 5 October, three local traders were injured when ARSA fighters carried out a mine attack at the Lait Ra intersection.

“Fighting is ongoing along the northern Maungdaw border. Muslim armed groups have not only engaged in border clashes but have also begun targeting civilian traders with mines in recent days. Cross-border trade has nearly come to a halt — no one dares to travel now,” said a resident of Min Gyi Village in northern Maungdaw.

The Muslim armed groups are reportedly based inside Bangladesh and have been launching cross-border incursions into northern Maungdaw to attack AA positions and local civilians.

AA Commander-in-Chief Major General Twan Mrat Naing recently told The Irrawaddy in an exclusive interview that some Bangladeshi border guard officers were providing tacit support and instructions to Muslim armed groups operating along the frontier.