Arakan Army and Rakhine Locals Destroy Six Mosques in Buthidaung

Arakan Now | 29 Jan 2026

The Arakan Army, together with local Rakhine residents, destroyed six mosques in villages across Buthidaung Township, according to local sources.

Witnesses said that on the morning of January 26, two large historic mosques and four smaller mosques in Mee Kyaung Khaung Swe Village were dismantled. They said AA members and some local residents tore down the structures and removed building materials, including timber, metal sheets, doors, and windows.

Local accounts said the demolished buildings included three mosques in Mee Swei Village, two mosques in Maung Hla Village, and one mosque in Kumikhali Village. In total, six mosques were reported to have been destroyed.

The incidents occurred in Rakhine State, an area affected by ongoing conflict and displacement. Residents said the mosques had served local Muslim communities for decades, with some described as historic sites.