AA Orders Rohingya Wards in Maungdaw to Provide 25 Recruits Each
- Arakan Now
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
Arakan Now | 19 January 2026
The Arakan Army (AA/ULA) has instructed Rohingya communities in Maungdaw to hand over 25 people from each ward for compulsory military service, according to local residents.
Residents said the order was announced during meetings held on Sunday with Rohingya representatives from four urban wards—Wards 3, 4, 5 and Kayin Htan. One person from each household was summoned to attend, they said.
According to sources, AA officials warned that Rohingya must serve if they wish to remain in Rakhine State, and told those unwilling to join to leave immediately, pointing to the border with Bangladesh. The remarks were delivered under pressure and intimidation, residents added.
Local people said the move has heightened fear among Rohingya communities, with some families preparing to flee amid concerns of forced recruitment and reprisals. The accounts were shared with Arakan Now.
