Weekly Highlights of Arakan (10-16 November 2025)

By Admin 18 Nov 2025

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.

Junta airstrikes on two Rathedaung villages kill five, injure six

A junta jet fighter dropped three 500-pound bombs on Barhtalay Village in Rathedaung Township on Saturday morning, killing five civilians and injuring six others. Both Barhtalay and Ngwartinkote villages are under AA control.

Two bombs struck Barhtalay at 10:02 a.m., killing three civilians and wounding four. Three minutes later, another jet dropped a 500-pound bomb on Ngwartinkote, killing two civilians.

On November 11, the Sittwe-based Naval Base and No. 12 Police Battalion also fired artillery into Pauktaw town, injuring five residents, including a woman.

The regime has stepped up airstrikes on AA-held townships, resulting in rising civilian casualties, including children, and leaving residents in constant fear.

Commodity prices surge after Mizoram-Paletwa road closure

Traders and travellers have been stranded following the temporary closure of the Mizoram-Paletwa border trade route due to diarrhea outbreaks in border villages.

Indian and AA authorities closed the route from November 12 to 20 to contain the outbreak. Price spikes during the three-day blockade have raised concerns that the disruption may last longer.

The closure has created shortages of certain goods, raising fears of continued price increases. Many people, including traders returning from medical treatment, remain stranded as the area grapples with the diarrhea outbreak.

The Mizoram-Paletwa route is a vital economic lifeline for Arakan State. The ULA's Department of Public Health said around 300 diarrhea cases have been reported in the AA's Shinletwa rural area in northern Paletwa Township, which borders Lawngtlai District.

AA, Chin Brotherhood form alliance ahead of expected regime offensive

With the regime reportedly preparing a counter-offensive in Chin State, the AA and Chin Brotherhood (CB) are coordinating to repel such an operation.

In addition to joint military preparations, the two groups will cooperate politically and economically, said CB spokesperson Salai Yaw Mang at an emergency fundraising event on November 8.

Since October, the regime has launched major offensives along the Kalay-Tedim road and from the Pon Taung-Pon Nya region toward Falam, resulting in heavy clashes with Chin resistance forces.

Analysts say Chin resistance groups may be receiving ammunition and strategic support from the AA to counter regime operations and prevent junta troops from moving toward northern Arakan State via Chin territory.

The regime has also announced plans to hold elections in Falam, controlled by the CB, and in Tonzang, held by the Chin National Front (CNF), in what observers describe as an attempt to reassert control.

The CB controls Matupi, Mindat, Kanpetlet and Falam; the CNF controls Tonzang; and the AA holds Paletwa.

Thousands of displaced people in Gwa in urgent need of aid

Around 8,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in Gwa Township in southern Arakan State urgently need food and medical assistance, according to a statement by the Gwa Township IDP Relief Committee on November 10.

A total of 7,925 displaced people remain unable to return home and are struggling due to a lack of support.

Most residents in Gwa rely on fishing, but regime warships have reportedly been firing on and seizing fishing boats, making it increasingly difficult for locals to find food, aid workers said.

Across Arakan State, nearly 600,000 displaced people face shortages of aid, rising food prices and limited job opportunities.

Families donate for Maungdaw villagers abducted by ARSA

Families of three residents from Kin Chaung Village in Maungdaw Township abducted by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) made donations in the second week of November.

On October 24, three villagers - including a young woman herding cattle - were abducted and remain missing. ARSA members attempted to intimidate and arrest villagers herding cattle near Mount Mayu at around 8 a.m. Three villagers escaped, but three were captured.

Those abducted are 10-year-old Ma Nyein Sandar, 40-year-old U Maung Ba Tun, and 22-year-old Maung Tun Aye.

Ethnic communities in rural Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships face growing insecurity due to threats from ARSA. Local residents say about nine villages in Maungdaw have fled due to threats from Muslim armed groups.

The AA is reportedly pursuing and clearing such groups and has warned residents to exercise caution.

Cultural exchange seminar held in Maungdaw

A traditional cultural exchange seminar was held in Maungdaw Township in the first week of November, organised by the Mro Youth Union (MYU) and an ethnic organising group.

The event aimed to promote understanding and unity among the Thet, Mro and Daingnet ethnic groups, according to organisers.

Northern Maungdaw is home to Arakanese, Khami, Mro, Thet, Daingnet, Maramargyi, Hindu and Muslim communities. Organisers said they plan to include all groups in future programmes.

Under previous military rule, local ethnic groups were reportedly restricted from showcasing their cultures. Under AA administration, communities are now able to freely display their traditions.

The event featured children's games, including a cake-eating contest, tug-of-war and high pole climbing, as well as traditional dance performances by the Thet, Mro and Daingnet peoples.

Arakan State is home to a diverse population including Arakanese, Mro, Thet, Khami, Daingnet, Maramargyi, Kaman, Chin and Muslim communities. The AA has been promoting social harmony and encouraging participation by all groups in the state's development.