The ethnic Thet community, one of the indigenous groups of Arakan State, is facing growing challenges to its national identity and cultural survival due to migration and a gradual decline in population.

Arakanese young people who have travelled to Yangon for various reasons say they are concerned for their safety as Myanmar’s military regime conducts a census of young university graduates.

A junta column attempting to reinforce Point 666 hilltop camp near Mathone Village in Padaung Township, Bago Region, was intercepted by a coalition force led by the Arakan Army and is now facing heavy air support from Myanmar’s military regime, according to military sources.

Myanmar’s military regime has carried out repeated attacks on Ponnagyun and Pauktaw townships in Arakan State, which border Sittwe, using heavy weapons including airstrikes, according to local residents.

At least six humanitarian workers providing emergency assistance during the latest fighting in Arakan State have been killed in airstrikes and artillery attacks carried out by Myanmar’s military regime.

Australian live streaming platform Kick has removed seven TV channels linked to Myanmar’s military regime, less than 24 hours after they began broadcasting on the platform.

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.

The number of migratory birds entering Arakan State during the winter season has been declining year by year, according to local residents and environmental observers.

Myanmar’s military regime is carrying out heavy ground and air offensives in the Magway, Bago and Ayeyarwady Regions bordering Arakan State, according to military sources and local residents.

Residents in Arakan Army-controlled townships of Kyauktaw, Pauktaw, Gwa and Buthidaung in Arakan State say greater attention is needed to fire hazards during the current open season, after at least four fires were reported in December.

Local ethnic communities have expressed concern over their security in Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships, which are under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), amid recent activities by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).

Among winter crops in the state, groundnut is the most profitable for farmers. However, farmers say they are unable to expand cultivation because of limited access to seeds.

Arakanese merchants in India say India–Arakan trade will be temporarily suspended for several days during the upcoming Christmas holiday.

Fighting is reportedly intensifying as Myanmar’s military regime launches a major offensive against Gotegyi camp in Ngaphe Township, Magway Region, which is occupied by a coalition force led by the Arakan Army (AA).

Those injured in the bombing of Mrauk-U Hospital are in urgent need of medical assistance and supplies, according to aid workers on the ground.

Justice for Myanmar and 209 local and international organisations jointly released a statement on Friday, saying the failure of international governments to take effective action against Myanmar’s military regime has enabled impunity and the continued commission of war crimes.

A report by the Strategic Initiative Forum (SIF) says elections organized by Myanmar’s military junta are not based on public consent but are aimed solely at ensuring the regime’s survival, describing them as the biggest fraud in the country.

Myanmar’s military and local resistance forces are reportedly engaged in fierce fighting near Weapons Factory No. 24, officially known as Directorate of Defence Industries (DDI) Factory No. 24 (KaPaSa 24), in Pauk Township, Magway Region.

Muslims are allegedly being charged K2 million to register with the Immigration Department, K15 million to apply for an identity card, and K200,000 for a recommendation letter.