Rohingya Families in Shilkhali Filled With Worry as AA Detains Dozens of Men

Photo: AA info Desk

Arakan Now | 2 December 2025

The Arakan Army (AA) has carried out a major operation in Kyauk Chaung (Shilkhali) village in northern Maungdaw, detaining dozens of Rohingya men and leaving families fearing for the safety of their loved ones.

A resident told Arakan Now that AA members entered the village around 1:00 p.m. on 29 November and ordered all Rohingya men aged 20 to 45 to leave their homes. At least 40 men were taken away.

According to the latest accounts from inside Shilkhali (Kyauk Chaung) on 2 December, the AA has released 26–27 of the roughly 40 detainees. Their release followed three days of severe physical torture, beatings, and harsh interrogation, which the AA described as an “investigation.”

Witnesses report that nine men remain missing, taken to an unknown location in extremely poor condition. These individuals are believed to include senior figures and respected elders of the village, raising concerns that they may face even harsher treatment.

Survivors say the three-day ordeal involved inhumane and degrading abuse, with torture carried out in front of women and children. Local residents believe the public nature of the abuse was intended to break the morale, dignity, and psychological resilience of the entire community.

Those who have returned home are deeply traumatised, with some showing visible injuries and others unable to walk or speak due to the severity of the beatings.