Border News Agency
Maungdaw, September 20.

On September 19, the Arakan Army (AA) announced that security will be increased in Maungdaw District along the Arakan-Bangladesh border, which is under AA control.

The AA stated that Islamist extremist groups in the area have been committing law violations and acts of violence, prompting the AA to strengthen security measures.

The Arakan Army also said it continues to provide public services and maintain security in its controlled areas while simultaneously defending against retaliatory attacks from military forces.

It is reported that Islamist extremist groups have taken advantage of the fact that full security cannot be maintained along certain parts of the Bangladesh border and in Maungdaw District, infiltrating the area via river and jungle routes.

Additionally, in remote forests and sparsely populated areas, these groups have been continuously ambushing, abducting, and killing non-Muslim locals while they are out foraging, collecting firewood, or traveling for the trade.

It is also said that the extremists have been spreading propaganda and creating fake battle scenarios resembling clashes with the Arakan Army to gain more support for their cause.

Residents living along the Arakan-Bangladesh border have been advised to avoid traveling alone or in small groups as much as possible when moving through forests or sparsely populated areas.

For medical emergencies or other urgent matters requiring travel, they are also advised to notify the nearest administrative or security units of the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government before setting out.

Due to violent activities by Islamist extremist groups in these border areas, both civilians and Arakan Army personnel have faced attacks, prompting the Arakan Army to further strengthen border security.

The Arakan Army stated that Islamist extremist armed groups operating under the so-called “Rohingya” label are operating from bases in Bangladesh, and some armed officials of the Bangladeshi government have been providing support to these militants.

It is also reported that these so-called Rohingya Islamist extremist groups have been carrying out violent activities along the Arakan-Bangladesh border, including on waterways such as the Nat River, sometimes posing as fishermen to infiltrate the area.

However, since the Arakan-Bangladesh border stretches for many miles, the Arakan Army cannot provide full-time security across the entire area. Locals in Maungdaw say that more troops are needed, and resources must be provided to ensure that security personnel do not engage in misconduct.