Fortify Rights Calls on ICC to Investigate Arakan Army War Crimes Against Rohingya

Arakan Now — The Arakan Army (AA) has committed war crimes against Rohingya civilians, including abductions, torture, killings, and beheadings, according to a new investigation released today by Fortify Rights. The group is urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

The report is based on interviews with 39 Rohingya survivors and witnesses, including eight women, and includes photo and video evidence. These abuses reportedly took place between 2024 and mid-2025 in areas controlled by the AA across Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and other parts of Rakhine State.

“The Arakan Army is responsible for widespread abductions, brutal torture, and the murder of Rohingya, some of whom were found beheaded, in blatant violation of the laws of war,” said Ejaz Min Khant, Human Rights Specialist at Fortify Rights.

Documented Crimes:

• At least five Rohingya civilians were beheaded by AA fighters.

• Entire families witnessed abductions, including a 21-year-old named Ahmed, whose brother’s body was later found decapitated in a forest near their home.

• In April 2024, five Rohingya men were taken from a fish pond and later found dead in a nearby village, four of them beheaded.

• In January 2024, the AA abducted 12 men from a village in Buthidaung. All were later found dead, showing signs of torture.

Torture in Detention:

• “Abdullah,” 21, described being severely beaten by four AA members using bamboo, wire, and fists. He still carries visible scars.

• “Shofiq” was detained for 11 months. He was handcuffed, shackled, and tortured using bamboo sticks. He also witnessed the removal of at least five dead bodies during his time in detention.

• Other survivors reported being kept in filthy, overcrowded rooms without toilets, exposed to extreme cold and disease.

A former detainee said, “Only when someone dies do they remove the leg cuffs with iron cutters. I saw the AA burying the bodies near the mountains.”

AA Response:

Fortify Rights contacted the Arakan Army on July 14 to request a meeting about these findings. The AA replied on July 20, denying all accusations, calling them “false,” “defamatory,” and politically motivated.

In the past, the AA has also rejected claims about its role in:

• The August 5, 2024 massacre near the Naf River

• The May 2024 burning of Rohingya homes

Still, in January 2025, the AA admitted its troops tortured and executed two prisoners of war—a serious war crime under international law.

What Fortify Rights Demands:

Fortify Rights is calling on the ICC to open a formal investigation into these crimes and bring justice to Rohingya victims. The group says the AA must be held accountable if it seeks recognition as a legitimate armed group.

📌 This report is based on Fortify Rights’ official release dated July 23, 2025.

🔗 Visit fortifyrights.org for the full report.

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