Muslim armed groups step up activities in northern Maungdaw

By Admin 08 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

8 January 2026, Maungdaw

Sporadic clashes have been reported in northern Maungdaw, Arakan State, since the beginning of this year as Muslim armed groups, including the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO), have been moving in and out of Arakan State from Bangladesh, according to local sources.

On December 6, ARSA members crossed into Arakan State near Bandoola and Tatchaung villages, close to the Bangladesh border in northern Maungdaw, and clashed with the Arakan Army (AA), resulting in a brief exchange of fire.

A border source said villages near the border are increasingly fearful due to the heightened activities of Muslim armed groups.

"Now that Muslim armed groups are more active, villages near the border are more afraid. The armed men often sneak in at night. Today alone, more than 20 armed men reportedly crossed in. When Arakan Army fighters opened fire, they fled," the source said.

On January 4, ARSA members reportedly ambushed an Arakan Army border security post along the Bangladesh border in northern Maungdaw during the night.

"ARSA members cross through border gates in groups of more than 10 in the evening. When Arakan Army fighters patrol the area and open fire, ARSA members return fire. These exchanges happen almost every day. We don't know the details of casualties," another source said.

ARSA also reportedly ambushed and fired on Arakan Army security posts along the northern border with Bangladesh in Taungpyo Letwe town on December 31.

On December 3, frequent exchanges of fire were reported between ARSA and the Arakan Army near Mount Waila, according to locals.

Residents said security along the border has become a major concern, as Muslim militants are frequently accused of carrying out ambushes, kidnappings and killings of local people.

"I am very worried because ARSA is carrying out ambushes like this. I can't sleep well at night. I am afraid to go to the fields and mountains during the day, and I don't feel safe even letting my children go out," said a resident of northern Maungdaw.

On December 31, the Arakan Army relocated Muslim residents from Kyaukchaung and Phatleikpyin villages near the Naf River on the Bangladesh border to Yaytwinpyin Village, citing security threats posed by ARSA.

The Arakan Army has warned residents to remain vigilant and pay close attention to security, as Muslim armed groups are reportedly active in parts of Maungdaw Township.