Arakan Army Abducts 16-Year-Old Rohingya Underage Girl for Forced Conscription

Photo: Collected

Arakan Now | 25 Feb 2026

The Arakan Army abducted a Rohingya underage girl about 16 years old for forced conscription on 21 February 2026 in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, according to local sources.

The victim, identified as the daughter of Shomshul Nobi and granddaughter of Mr Abulhasim, was taken from Hpon Nyo Lake village.

A local resident told Arakan Now that the victim’s father has been left deeply traumatized since his daughter was taken and that the family has received no information about her whereabouts or well-being.

“The Arakan Army has been pressuring villagers to provide women for conscription,” the resident said. “People are living in fear and hiding their daughters to prevent them from being taken. No one knows how long they can continue to keep their daughters hidden.”

Residents added that abductions and attempts to forcibly recruit underage girls are continuing in Buthidaung Township.

Fear of abduction and forced conscription has forced families to flee their homes daily. Many families have already left, and displacement is ongoing.

Tensions remain high across Buthidaung Township, where residents fear further forced recruitment and displacement.