Armed Local Rakhine, Accompanied by Arakan Army, Reportedly Enter Rohingya Villages, Shoot and Seize Buffalo and Cattle in Northern Maungdaw

Arakan Now | 24 Feb 2026

Local Rakhine groups, reportedly accompanied by members of the Arakan Army, are taking cattle and buffalo belonging to Rohingya residents in Myawtaung (Saliprang) and nearby villages in northern Maungdaw Township, according to local residents.

A resident told Arakan Now that armed local Rakhine individuals, along with Arakan Army personnel, have entered Rohingya villages, shot livestock, and taken the meat away. The resident added that villagers are unable to object or intervene due to fear of retaliation.

“They come with weapons, shoot our cattle and buffalo, and take the meat,” the resident told Arakan Now, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons. “No one dares to say anything against them because the Arakan Army goes with them.”

Residents from multiple villages in northern Maungdaw Township have expressed concern over the loss of livestock, which many families rely on as a primary source of livelihood. According to villagers, armed groups have already taken many cattle and buffalo in recent weeks, leaving several households without their main source of income.