Regime arrests dozens of Muslims in Sittwe over alleged Arakan Army links

By Admin 25 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

25 February 2026, Sittwe

Myanmar’s military regime has arrested dozens of Muslim villagers in Sittwe Township, including village administrators and 100-household heads, over alleged links to the Arakan Army (AA), according to local sources.

Residents said that since January, authorities have detained members of village administration teams and well-off residents from Muslim villages west of Sittwe. The number of detainees has reportedly reached at least 50.

“The regime is mainly arresting Muslims on accusations of communicating with or supporting the Arakan Army. However, Sittwe is under full military control, and there are no Arakan Army members here. Those arrested have no connection to the Arakan Army,” a young Muslim man from Sittwe told DMG.

Residents also expressed concern about their safety and freedom of movement, alleging that the military has recruited informants within Muslim villages.

On February 6 and 8, authorities arrested 30 people, including Shobi, the administrator of Bumay Village, along with officials and residents from five villages namely, Thetkelpyin, Darpaing (Old), Letthamar and Sarmanyar, over alleged Arakan Army ties.

On February 10, a further 11 people were detained, including Ismail, a 100-household head from Thetkelpyin Village, and residents from Thantawli Village: Alzor Amal, a 100-household head, Norolud, Saundul Amil, Sadat Hussain and Wasalam Gorim.

In January, authorities also arrested the village person-in-charge from Palinpyin and five residents from Phwayyargon Village.

“None of the detainees have been released so far. Some people are fleeing out of fear. We heard that some have been charged, but we do not know under which sections of the law,” another Muslim man in Sittwe said.

According to locals, the arrests were carried out by personnel from Military Intelligence (MI) and Police Battalion No. 36.

Security has been tightened in Muslim villages across Sittwe Township, with residents reporting extortion and threats when attempting to travel into the town.

Although clashes between the military and the Arakan Army have occasionally occurred in Sittwe Township, the junta has increased its troop presence and expanded security checkpoints around the town.