Military observers say the Arakan Army (AA) has made visible efforts this month to expand its territorial control in Sittwe Township, the capital of Arakan State.

According to villagers, the incident occurred on January 17 at around 1:00 PM. While the child was playing at her home, a neighbor identified as 50-year-old U Hla Than allegedly lured her to his house and committed the assault while no one else was present.

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ponnagyun Township, Arakan State, are increasingly resorting to begging as they struggle with severe livelihood hardships, a lack of job opportunities, and dwindling humanitarian assistance amid ongoing conflict.

Civilian casualties are rising in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, as Myanmar’s military regime continues airstrikes and artillery attacks on villages where local residents live, according to local sources.

Timber traders in Arakan State say timber prices have soared sharply, while demand from buyers and builders remains low.

Fierce fighting is ongoing between the Myanmar military regime and a coalition led by the Arakan Army (AA) near Nat Yay Kan tactical junta base in Ngaphe Township, Magway Region, along the Ann–Padan Road, with the regime reportedly deploying drones in the clashes.

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.

At least five locals were robbed and killed in Arakan State, controlled by the Arakan Army, between July 2025 and January 2026, according to DMG figures.

Myanmar’s military regime is staging arrests of drug traffickers while drug factories are actually owned by military generals, Arakan Army (AA) spokesperson U Khaing Thukha said.

Internally displaced people (IDPs) at the Kyantalin displacement camp in Ponnagyun Township, home to nearly 2,000 people, say they are facing severe water shortages, making it difficult to cook food and meet daily needs.

Locals in Arakan State report that air ticket prices on the Sittwe-Kyaukphyu-Yangon routes in 2026 have increased by nearly K300,000 compared to 2025, causing financial strain for many residents.

Two displaced women were killed and two others injured by airstrikes, suicide drone attacks and heavy weapons fire from a Myanmar Navy warship in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, according to local sources.

A 7-year-old girl from Paikthae Ward, Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State, who recently underwent a kidney transplant, is urgently seeking financial assistance to continue her medical treatment.

Residents of townships controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) are now allowed to travel outside Arakan State only for health, trade and other social needs after obtaining approval from ward, village, local and township administrators, according to local residents.

Some entrepreneurs in Arakan State, where trade routes remain blocked, are experimenting with locally produced goods, with natural fertilizer gaining increased use among farmers.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the United League of Arakan (ULA) Department of Public Health has urged those importing, selling, and providing medical treatment in areas controlled by the Arakan Army to apply for drug sale and import licences.

Betel leaf cultivation in Arakan State is thriving as prices rise due to exports to Bangladesh and India, with growers reporting improved livelihoods.

Myanmar's military regime is using Muslim militiamen to break into and destroy homes in villages where residents have fled due to fighting in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, according to local residents.

The price of 24-carat gold has reached around K10 million per tical in Arakan State, while it stands at about K9.9 million per tical in Myanmar's mainland markets, according to gold shop owners.