AARA Alleges 51 Rohingya Civilians Detained, Elderly Man Killed in Rathedaung Township by Militant Arakan Army (AA)

Rathedaung Township, Arakan State — The Arakan Action Against Rohingya Atrocities (AARA) has expressed grave concern over reports that 51 Rohingya civilians were arrested by members of the Arakan Army (AA) in Ah Nauk Pyin Village, Rathedaung Township, Arakan State, between 23 September and 10 October 2026.

According to information received by community sources, an elderly Rohingya man identified as Roshed Ahmmed, aged 64, was reportedly killed, and his body was returned to the villagers. The whereabouts and current conditions of the other 50 reportedly detained civilians remain unknown.

AARA further reports that Arakan Army members and local Rakhine individuals have repeatedly entered the village, beaten Rohingya residents and subjected them to violence and intimidation. These allegations raise serious concerns about the safety of the remaining Rohingya population and the possibility of further abuses.

Ah Nauk Pyin and Yanug Pyin Gyi are the only two remaining Rohingya villages in Rathedaung Township. Together, they are said to be home to approximately 1,200 Rohingya families living in geographically isolated communities, far from the main Rohingya population centers of Maungdaw and Buthidaung.

Reported Eviction Order by October 17, 2026

In a separate but related development, AARA has received alarming information from a reliable local source that the Arakan Army (AA) has ordered Rohingya villagers in Rathedaung Township to leave their homes by October 17, 2026.

Although this information still requires independent verification, AARA notes it is extremely concerning, citing similar patterns of threats, violence, and mass displacement witnessed in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships in 2024. The organization is raising the urgent concern that another wave of forced displacement of Rohingya may be imminent.

AARA is today raising this urgent concern with international human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and minority rights groups, as well as the UN Human Rights Council and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM). AARA is calling for immediate verification, diplomatic intervention, and preventive measures before the reported deadline.

"The international community must not wait until thousands more Rohingya are forced to flee their ancestral homeland," AARA stated. "If the world is serious about safe and dignified Rohingya repatriation, it must first protect those Rohingya who are still living in Arakan. Prevention is better than condemnation after another tragedy. Act now!"

AARA Demands Urgent Action

AARA calls for urgent efforts to establish the whereabouts of the detained civilians, protect the affected communities, investigate the reported killing and other alleged abuses, and ensure accountability in accordance with international law.