POW families say Arakan Army provided assistance and protection during detention

By Admin 21 Mar 2026

DMG Newsroom

21 March 2026, Kyauktaw

Released prisoners of war (POWs) and their family members have said that the Arakan Army (AA) treated them with care and respect during their detention, without subjecting them to physical or psychological abuse, according to accounts from women who were recently freed.

Women among the released detainees said that despite being held for more than two years, they were not subjected to harassment or mistreatment and were instead provided with basic care and assistance.

“There were many young women among the family members. During the over two years we were there, we received care and support from Arakan Army members. No one was subjected to harassment, insults, or physical abuse,” said Daw Thazin Cho, wife of Lt-Col Kyaw Swar Aung of the military’s No. 377 Artillery Battalion in Kyauktaw.

She was among those released on March 14 from the Chaungtu detention camp in Kyauktaw Township, following a humanitarian release by the Arakan Army.

Daw Thazin Cho said detainees were treated with dignity throughout their time in custody and that pregnant women and elderly individuals were given special care where possible.

“They treated all the women as their own family and protected us without causing harm. Over time, we came to see their goodwill,” she added.

Other released individuals also said Arakan Army members treated women, children, pregnant mothers, and elderly detainees with respect and provided assistance during detention.

A family member of a detained soldier from Ann Township said basic needs were provided despite difficult conditions.

“We were fed as much as they could manage. If they had rice, they shared it. They protected us even in risky situations and did what they could to support us,” said Daw Yin Yin Htay, a POW family member detained in the Darlatchaung area of Ann Township.

Thousands of POWs and their family members are believed to have been detained across areas captured by the Arakan Army. Meanwhile, junta airstrikes have targeted detention sites in Kyauktaw and Ann townships, according to local sources.

While fighting continues in Arakan State, the Arakan Army has periodically released groups of detainees on humanitarian grounds.

On March 4, the Arakan Army also granted amnesty to some detainees in Paletwa Township in commemoration of the 45th birthday of its deputy commander, Dr. Nyo Twan Awng.