Arakan Army Forcibly Conscripts Rohingya Youths in Maungdaw Township
- Arakan Now
- 4 days ago
- 1 min read
Arakan Now | 19 January 2026
The Arakan Army has conscripted at least 20 Rohingya youths from several wards in Maungdaw Township, according to multiple local sources.
A resident speaking to Arakan Now on 17 January said that AA members, accompanied by local jury members, entered a ward and abducted four Rohingya civilians for military training. The four were later released, but the incident caused widespread fear among residents.
The same source added that the Arakan Army had earlier compiled lists of Rohingya youths from Shwe Zar and Wards 1, 2, and 3 in Maungdaw, ordering families to send those listed for military training. Villagers were reportedly threatened with punishment if they failed to comply.
Fearing persecution and punishment, residents said they were forced to hand over 20 youths from the affected wards and villages. The youths were subsequently taken to Buthidaung Township, where they are believed to be undergoing military training.
The forced conscription has heightened anxiety among Rohingya communities in Maungdaw, many of whom have already endured years of violence, displacement, and restrictions on movement.
