Rohingya Under Siege: Weekly Report on Repression and Human Rights Violations in Rakhine State
This weekly report by Action Against Rohingya Atrocities (AARA) documents major developments affecting Rohingya communities in Rakhine State and across Myanmar from 1 to 8 May 2026. The report highlights arbitrary arrests, religious restrictions, extortion, aerial bombardments, landmine casualties, and targeted arrests of Rohingya refugees in Yangon. It also examines the resumption of Maungdaw–Teknaf border trade and growing administrative controls imposed by the Arakan Army. The findings underscore the continued vulnerability of the Rohingya people and the urgent need for international protection, accountability, and justice.
Executive Summary
This weekly report provides a consolidated overview of major developments affecting the Rohingya community and the broader security and political situation in Rakhine State, Myanmar, during the period of 1–8 May 2026.
During the reporting period, several significant developments were documented. Border trade between Maungdaw and Teknaf resumed after more than a year of suspension, offering limited economic relief to communities on both sides of the border. At the same time, the Arakan Army (AA) continued to impose increasingly restrictive administrative measures on Rohingya communities in Maungdaw Township, including burdensome taxation, restrictions on religious practices, and tighter controls over social gatherings.
In Buthidaung Township, credible allegations emerged of arbitrary detention and extortion involving AA-affiliated officials. The Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) continued to perpetrate serious abuses, including arbitrary arrests, aerial bombardments, and the use of landmines that caused civilian casualties. In Yangon, Rohingya refugees fleeing conflict were reportedly targeted and arrested despite possessing identification documents. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Navy intercepted smuggling attempts from Bangladesh to Rakhine State.
An interview with Arakan Army Chief of Staff Major General Htun Myat Naing offered insight into the group’s political objectives, regional relationships, and responses to allegations concerning human rights violations.
Overall, the reporting period underscores the continued vulnerability of the Rohingya population, who remain caught between competing armed actors, discriminatory restrictions, and widespread insecurity.
Introduction
Action Against Rohingya Atrocities (AARA) is a Rohingya-led human rights organization committed to documenting and exposing violations against the Rohingya people and advocating for justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights.
This report compiles verified information from local monitors, media sources, and community networks to provide a factual, impartial, and evidence-based account of developments affecting Rohingya communities and the evolving situation in Rakhine State and surrounding regions.
Key Incidents and Developments
1. Resumption of Maungdaw–Teknaf Border Trade
On 1 May 2026, border trade between Maungdaw Township in Rakhine State and Teknaf, Bangladesh, officially resumed after a 13-month suspension.
A timber vessel departed from the Kanyengchaung Economic Zone in Maungdaw and arrived at Teknaf Land Port carrying 963 logs of Champa phul and Garjan timber, valued at approximately USD 16,120.
Bangladeshi officials and local traders welcomed the reopening, expressing hope that legal trade will restore livelihoods, strengthen economic cooperation, and generate much-needed revenue.
2. Arakan Army Restrictions on Rohingya Communities in Maungdaw
a. Increased Market Taxes
Shopkeepers in Maungdaw Ward No. 2 reported severe financial pressure due to heightened market taxes imposed by the Arakan Army.
Businesses are reportedly required to pay:
- 120,000 kyats annually in shop taxes; and
- Up to 1,000 kyats daily in market fees.
These demands persist despite declining commercial activity and reduced purchasing power among residents.
b. Ban on Loudspeakers for the Adhan
Since 27 April 2026, AA authorities have prohibited mosques in Maungdaw from using loudspeakers to broadcast the adhan (Islamic call to prayer).
Community members view this measure as a direct infringement on freedom of religion or belief.
c. Restrictions on Religious and Social Gatherings
Beginning in May 2026, the AA introduced additional controls over religious and social events in Maungdaw Township.
Under the new regulations:
- Applications must be submitted at least five days in advance;
- Events must conclude by 10:00 PM; and
- New construction projects require prior authorization.
Residents fear these directives will further erode religious liberty, social cohesion, and community autonomy.
3. Alleged Arbitrary Detention and Extortion in Buthidaung
On 30 April 2026, AA forces reportedly arrested seven Rohingya civilians in Buthidaung Township.
Families alleged that village administrator Elias and AA/ULA intelligence member Mamat Saw Lim demanded 1 million kyats per detainee in exchange for release.
Although some families reportedly paid the requested sums, the detainees remained in custody as of 2 May 2026.
These allegations raise serious concerns regarding arbitrary detention, corruption, and abuse of authority.
4. Myanmar Military Actions and Human Rights Violations
a. Arrest of Rohingya in Ayeyarwady Region
On 5 May 2026, Myanmar military forces arrested 12 Rohingya, including minors, near Thae Phyu Village in Tharpaung Township, Ayeyarwady Region.
b. Aerial Bombardments in Minbya Township
On 7 May 2026, the Myanmar military launched aerial attacks involving five fighter jets near Kyauk Khat Village and Thit Phut Mountain in Minbya Township.
The bombardment continued for more than one hour.
c. Landmine Casualties in Sittwe
On 29 April 2026, a 10-year-old Muslim girl from Ohn Taw Gyi Village lost her leg after stepping on a landmine reportedly planted by the Myanmar military.
A similar incident occurred on 17 April 2026, when a 45-year-old Rohingya man lost his leg in the Dah Paing Muslim IDP camp.
d. Targeted Arrests of Rohingya Refugees in Yangon
On 2 May 2026, approximately 50 Rohingya refugees, including teachers and young people displaced from Buthidaung and Maungdaw, were reportedly arrested in Nwe Aye Ward, Dawbon Township, Yangon.
The incident reflects ongoing anti-Rohingya discrimination and the heightened vulnerability of displaced Rohingya throughout Myanmar.
5. Bangladesh Navy Intercepts Smuggling Attempts
On 5 and 6 May 2026, the Bangladesh Navy arrested 13 individuals in two separate operations near St. Martin’s Island and Shapari Island.
The suspects were allegedly attempting to smuggle foreign liquor and food items from Bangladesh into Rakhine State.
6. Interview with Arakan Army Chief of Staff Major General Htun Myat Naing
In an interview with The Diplomat, aired on 4 May 2026, Major General Htun Myat Naing discussed several key issues.
Military Position and Public Support
He stated that the AA now controls approximately 90 percent of Rakhine State.
Dialogue with the Myanmar Military
He argued that substantive negotiations are impossible while the junta continues airstrikes against civilians.
Regional Relations
He expressed willingness to cooperate with:
- Bangladesh on border trade and refugee return;
- India on the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project; and
- China on maintaining regional stability.
Human Rights Allegations
He denied allegations of systematic forced recruitment.
Vision for the Future
He announced plans to establish medical colleges and nursing schools in Rakhine State.
Analysis
The reporting period reveals a deeply concerning pattern in which Rohingya civilians continue to face systemic abuses from multiple actors.
While the reopening of border trade may provide modest economic benefits, the humanitarian and human rights situation remains dire. The Arakan Army’s increasingly intrusive restrictions on religious practice, social life, and economic activity, together with allegations of extortion and arbitrary detention, raise serious concerns regarding governance, accountability, and respect for fundamental rights.
Simultaneously, the Myanmar military continues to commit grave violations, including indiscriminate attacks, arbitrary arrests, and the use of landmines in civilian areas.
The cumulative effect is a pervasive environment of fear, insecurity, and deprivation.
Conclusion
Between 1 and 8 May 2026, Rohingya communities in Rakhine State and elsewhere in Myanmar faced continued repression, insecurity, and discrimination.
Although the reopening of the Maungdaw–Teknaf border trade offers limited economic opportunity, this development is overshadowed by restrictive measures imposed by the Arakan Army, allegations of extortion and arbitrary detention, and ongoing military attacks by the Myanmar junta.
The interview with AA leadership suggests a desire for political legitimacy and regional engagement. However, documented actions on the ground indicate a troubling gap between these statements and the lived realities of Rohingya civilians.
AARA reiterates the urgent need for:
- Independent monitoring of conditions in Rakhine State;
- Protection of Rohingya civilians and their fundamental rights;
- Accountability for all perpetrators of human rights violations; and
- Sustained international engagement to ensure justice, safe return, and durable solutions for the Rohingya people.
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