Myanmar: Arakan Army Abuses Rohingya Muslims

Arakan Now | 29 July 2025

The Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, is committing serious abuses against Rohingya Muslims, Human Rights Watch said.

Since taking control of parts of Rakhine in late 2023, the AA has restricted movement, taken property, arrested people without cause, and forced Rohingya into labor and recruitment. These actions mirror past abuses by Myanmar’s military.

Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh say they faced curfews, travel restrictions, food shortages, and unpaid labor. Permits to move between villages cost up to 5,000 kyat and were hard to obtain.

Some said the AA destroyed graveyards, took their land, and punished those who didn’t follow orders.

Several families fled after the AA tried to recruit their sons, including minors. One father said he was arrested and beaten after hiding his son. Their house was later burned down.

Others were detained on false charges and tortured. A 19-year-old said he was forced to serve on the front line as a human shield.

Refugees paid up to 1.25 million kyat (US$595) to reach Bangladesh. Since May 2024, over 120,000 Rohingya have arrived, many without aid or protection.

The UN says it’s unsafe for Rohingya to return to Myanmar.

“Governments must do more to protect Rohingya rights,” said HRW’s Elaine Pearson. “The Arakan Army must stop its abuses.”