Weekly Situation Report On Rohingya In Northern Rakhine (Arakan) State
This report was compiled by the Action Against Rohingya Atrocities (AARA) documentation team based on information gathered through its field monitoring network, documentation efforts, and community-based sources across Northern Rakhine State. Due to ongoing conflict and access restrictions, some information remains subject to further verification.
Executive Summary
During the reporting period of 25–30 May 2026, the Action Against Rohingya Atrocities (AARA) documented a series of incidents affecting Rohingya communities across Northern Rakhine State, particularly in Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Kyauktaw townships.
Key concerns documented during the week include allegations of arbitrary detention, abuse of women, movement restrictions, extortion, discriminatory practices, land-related disputes, excessive taxation, restrictions on livelihoods, and continued insecurity affecting civilians. AARA also documented the reported killing of six members of a Rohingya family by Myanmar Navy personnel while attempting to travel by sea, as well as reports of growing tensions involving Daingnet and Mro communities.
Economic pressures on Rohingya communities remained significant, with reports of compulsory payments, checkpoint fees, cattle taxation during Eid al-Adha, and the confiscation of fishing equipment affecting already vulnerable livelihoods. Community members also reported discrimination in employment opportunities and humanitarian assistance.
The incidents documented during this reporting period indicate continuing challenges related to civilian protection, freedom of movement, access to livelihoods, property rights, and equal treatment under local administrative systems. AARA continues to monitor developments across Northern Rakhine State and document reported abuses affecting Rohingya and other vulnerable communities.
1. Arrest, Detention, and Abuse of Rohingya Women in Maungdaw
Date of Incident: 22 May 2026Reported on: 25 May 2026
AARA documented the arrest, detention, and alleged abuse of three Rohingya women, including an elderly woman, by AA-affiliated village administration officials in Ngan Chaung village, northern Maungdaw Township. The incident reportedly stemmed from a land and property dispute.
Victims:
- Fatema
- Asia
- Hairul Amin
All three victims are Rohingya residents of Ngan Chaung village.
Alleged Perpetrators:
- Village Administrator U Yahaya (also known as Yakhoni)
- Village Official Muhammad Ismail (also known as U Abu Bokkar)
AARA further documented allegations that the elderly woman was mistreated by U Abu Bokkar and Daw Hasina Begum, the parents of village official Muhammad Ismail.
According to information documented by AARA, community members consider the women innocent and have called for a fair investigation and accountability for those responsible. Residents expressed concern that incidents of physical assault, detention, deprivation of food, and abuse of authority against women undermine public trust and contribute to local grievances.
2. Movement Restrictions and Endorsement Fees Imposed on Rohingya in Kyauktaw Township
Reported on: 25 May 2026
AARA documented severe restrictions on the movement of Rohingya residents in Kyauktaw Township. According to information collected by AARA, Rohingya are unable to enter town areas without obtaining authorization letters endorsed by multiple administrative authorities.
Required endorsements reportedly include:
• Village Administration Office – 5,000 kyat
• Tract Administration Office – 2,000 kyat
• Police Station / DLEP – 5,000 kyat
Even travel between villages within the same township reportedly requires three to four separate endorsements.
AARA documented a case in which a resident was turned back at a checkpoint and forced to return home after failing to obtain the required documents.
Community members state that these restrictions have significantly affected daily movement, economic activities, and access to services.
3. Alleged Extortion Through Night Patrol System in Maungdaw Ward (2)
Reported on: 26 May 2026
AARA documented allegations of abuse and extortion linked to the night patrol system in Ward (2), Maungdaw Township.
According to residents, the son of the ward administrator has been threatening local households while asserting control over the area.
Key findings documented by AARA include:
• More than 540 households are assigned patrol duties three to four times each month.
• Households unable to provide a patroller are required to pay 20,000 kyat per night.
• Monthly costs reportedly range between 60,000 and 80,000 kyat per household.
• Although only 16 individuals reportedly participate in nightly patrols, approximately 45 names appear on patrol rosters.
• Residents allege that the names of 29 individuals are being used to collect approximately 580,000 kyat per night, amounting to an estimated 17.4 million kyat per month.
• Individuals with close ties to the administration or AA are reportedly exempt from patrol obligations.
Residents have called for intervention to address what they describe as abuse of authority and financial exploitation.
4. Attempted Seizure of Rohingya Community Football Field in Kyauktaw Township
Reported on: 26 May 2026
AARA documented concerns regarding the fencing of a Rohingya-owned football field in Let Saung Koke Ward, Tract No. 9, Kyauktaw Township.
According to information gathered by AARA, AA troops fenced the land on 19 May 2026 without prior consultation with the local community.
The field covers more than four acres and serves multiple community functions, including:
• Recreational activities
• Livestock access routes for farmers
• Emergency flood shelter for animals
AARA investigations indicate that a local ward official transferred the land to the relevant department without consulting community members.
Residents maintain that the football field is communal property belonging to the entire village and express concern that permanent occupation of the land could increase flooding risks and reduce grazing areas for livestock.
5. Alleged Discrimination Against Rohingya in NGO Employment and Humanitarian Assistance
Reported on: 26 May 2026
AARA documented complaints from Rohingya residents regarding alleged discrimination in employment opportunities and humanitarian assistance provided by NGOs operating in Northern Rakhine State.
Reported concerns include:
• Rohingya applicants being excluded from shortlists despite possessing stronger qualifications than competing candidates.
• Allegations of discriminatory hiring practices involving an NGO identified as Schelor Institute in Buthidaung Township.
• Restrictions requiring HDCO approval before humanitarian assistance can be delivered to Rohingya communities.
According to information documented by AARA, residents claim that aid distribution remains significantly more limited in Rohingya villages than in neighboring Rakhine communities.
Community members state that such restrictions contribute to worsening economic hardship and reduced livelihood opportunities.
6. Taxation of Cattle During Eid al-Adha (Qurbani)
Reported on: 26 May 2026
AARA documented taxation imposed on cattle sold for Eid al-Adha (Qurbani).
According to information collected by AARA, AA/ULA authorities are charging 5,000 kyat per 100,000 kyat of sale value.
Examples include:
• 50,000 kyat for a cow valued at 1,000,000 kyat
• 250,000 kyat for a cow valued at 5,000,000 kyat
In addition, cattle transported from Buthidaung to Maungdaw reportedly face checkpoint charges described as licensing fees:
• 100,000 kyat per buffalo
• 70,000 kyat per cow
7. Myanmar Navy Kills Six Members of Rohingya Family at Sea
Reported on: 27 May 2026
AARA documented the killing of six members of a Rohingya family after Myanmar Navy personnel reportedly opened fire on their vessel on 24 May 2026.
The family had returned to Rakhine from Yangon and was attempting to travel by sea from Sittwe to Bangladesh.
Victims:
Six members of the family of Maung Hla Min, originally from Setipyin village, Rathedaung Township, were killed.
AARA further documented reports indicating that a four-year-old child survived the initial attack but was later killed by Myanmar military personnel.
The eldest daughter reportedly survived.
Maung Hla Min was a university graduate and the primary provider for his family. According to information documented by AARA, the family had been displaced multiple times since 2017 due to conflict and insecurity.
8. Over 100 Daingnet Civilians Detained; Twelve Organizations Demand Release
Reported on: 27 May 2026
AARA documented a joint statement issued by twelve Daingnet organizations calling for the release of more than 100 Daingnet civilians detained in Sankar Hla village, Taungpyo Letwe Sub-township, Maungdaw Township.
Background:
On 23 May 2026, tensions reportedly escalated during AA conscription activities, resulting in violent confrontations involving gunfire and physical assaults. Several villagers, including pregnant women, were reportedly injured.
Detentions:
On 24 May 2026, more than 100 individuals, including elderly persons, household heads, and primary income earners, were reportedly arrested and taken away.
The signatory organizations stated that the incident threatens long-standing trust and social relations between the Daingnet community and AA authorities.
9. Rohingya Businessmen Allegedly Forced to Provide Cattle for Eid Donations
Reported on: 28 May 2026
AARA documented allegations that ULA/AA authorities collected eighteen cattle from Rohingya businessmen in Maungdaw District during the Eid al-Adha period and distributed them to poor families.
According to information documented by AARA:
• Each businessman was reportedly required to provide two to three cattle.
• Nearly fifty cattle were allegedly collected from Rohingya businessmen across Rakhine State.
• The donated cattle were reportedly presented as assistance provided by AA authorities despite originating from private Rohingya owners.
AARA further documented reports that village administrators collected one viss of beef and 5,000 kyat from each Kurbani animal sacrificed by financially stable Rohingya households.
Residents stated that refusing such demands was not considered possible.
10. Village Official Accused of Collecting Money and Meat Despite Tax Exemption Announcement
Reported on: 28 May 2026
AARA documented allegations against Let Saung Koke Ward official Maung Thein Kyaw (also known as Mamut Kasim) in Kyauktaw Township.
According to information collected by AARA, the AA/ULA publicly announced that Kurbani cattle would be exempt from taxation. However, the village official allegedly collected:
• 10,000 kyat per animal
• One viss of beef per animal
AARA investigations indicate that similar collections were not reported in the other twenty-three Rohingya villages in Kyauktaw Township.
Residents allege that when concerns were raised, the official responded with threats.
Community members have requested an investigation and accountability for the alleged abuse of authority.
11. Muslim Social Aid Society (MSAS) Accused of Mismanagement Affecting Trainees
Reported on: 29 May 2026
AARA documented complaints from trainees participating in programs organized by the Muslim Social Aid Society (MSAS), headquartered in Yangon.
According to trainees interviewed by AARA:
• Field officials allegedly mismanaged training supplies and participant benefits.
• Organizational stamps were reportedly forged and used on false documentation submitted to headquarters.
• Motorcycle mechanic trainees were reportedly required to sign documents without specified monetary amounts after receiving assistance.
Trainees expressed concern that unsigned financial details could later be used to misrepresent expenditures and assistance records.
Community members have called on the MSAS central administration to investigate the allegations and protect the rights of trainees.
12. Curfew Imposed in Maungdaw; Households Ordered to Construct Bomb Shelters
Reported on: 30 May 2026
AARA documented the imposition of a curfew in northern and southern Maungdaw Township.
According to information collected by AARA:
• Curfew hours are from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
• The order was first announced on 22 May 2026.
• Households were instructed to dig bomb shelters due to aerial attack concerns.
• Authorities warned that individuals found outside during curfew hours could face action.
Residents report significant difficulties meeting daily needs due to movement restrictions and uncertainty regarding enforcement.
13. Tensions Between Daingnet Community and AA Forces Continue
Reported on: 30 May 2026
AARA documented ongoing tensions following clashes between a Daingnet group and AA forces in Sankar Hla village, Taungpyo Letwe Sub-township.
According to information gathered by AARA:
• Violent confrontations occurred during AA conscription efforts on 23 May 2026.• More than 100 Daingnet civilians were detained on 24 May 2026.• Daingnet members serving within AA ranks were reportedly required to surrender their weapons each evening and reclaim them the following morning.• Similar restrictions were reportedly imposed on Mro members.
Sources indicate that mistrust, discrimination, and internal tensions remain significant concerns among affected communities.
14. Sale and Use of Seized Fishing Nets from the Naf River
Reported on: 30 May 2026
AARA documented allegations that AA coastal patrol units have sold fishing nets confiscated from fishermen operating in the Naf River area.
According to information gathered by AARA:
• On 20 May 2026, six fishermen (four Rohingya and two Bangladeshi) were arrested.
• One fishing boat and twenty-two Paik Tan fishing nets were seized.
• Fifteen nets were reportedly sold to Rakhine fishermen for approximately 1.5 million kyat each.
• Seven nets remain stored at the Ka Nyin Chaung economic zone in Shwe Zar, Maungdaw.
AARA further documented allegations that two of the remaining nets were taken and used by local officials and security personnel for commercial fishing activities.
Community members state that the confiscation of fishing equipment has severely affected the livelihoods of Rohingya fishermen who depend on these resources for income and survival.
End of Report
Prepared by the Action Against Rohingya Atrocities (AARA) Documentation TeamReporting Period: 25–30 May 2026
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