Over 20 Rohingya Captured by AA While Cutting Bamboo in Buthidaung Township

Arakan Now - 13 May 2025

On the morning of 12 May, more than 20 Rohingya from Hpayon Chaung Village in Buthidaung Township were arrested by the Arakan Army while gathering bamboo, according to local sources.

Early that morning, a group of villagers had gone to the eastern hills of Hpayon Chaung Village to cut bamboo as part of their daily routine. While they were working, an AA patrol suddenly emerged from the forest, tied up the Rohingya with vines and took them away into the mountains.

"Every day, the villagers go to the hills in the morning to cut bamboo and return home by noon. This is how they make a living," a local resident told Arakan Now.

The detainees were reportedly taken to Nyaung Chaung village. The reason for their arrest remains unclear, but tensions in the region have led to increased scrutiny of Rohingya movements.

On 6 May, Arakan Army arrested 15 Rohingya fishermen from Dar Paing Sar Yar village of Buthidaung without any reason while they were fishing, as Arakan Now previously reported.