Arakan Army Needs Full Control of Arakan-Bangladesh Border
Maungdaw, November 5 – According to local residents and observers of the Rohingya issue, the Arakan Army (AA) needs to take full control of the Arakan-Bangladesh border to prevent attacks by armed groups.
It has been reported that armed militants identified as Rohingya are based in Bangladesh and are carrying out cross-border attacks along the border. Locals and observers note that these armed groups attempt to conduct violent activities in the Maungdaw District.
Additionally, these so-called Rohingya militants reportedly blend into the mountainous areas and Muslim villages within the Maungdaw District, continuing their violent actions against the local population.
Thus, there is a significant need for the Arakan Army to establish full control over the Arakan-Bangladesh border to ensure the safety of the Arakanese people and to maintain peace in the region. A local resident expressed, "Even the army is facing attacks. How can ordinary citizens feel secure? People are just trying to fish and go about their lives. The army needs to decisively eliminate these militants. It is crucial for the army to have full control over the Maungdaw border."
The Arakan-Bangladesh border stretches 128.75 miles from Border Post BP-31 to Border Post BP-73, where the borders of Arakan, Bangladesh, and India converge, and is located 39.82 miles north from the Naf River to the Bangladesh border, which extends 168.57 miles.
Local residents report that through waterways between the Naf River and the northern river branches, armed militants identified as Rohingya are engaging in cross-border violence, smuggling activities, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
Moreover, they continue illegal fishing and use waterways to smuggle rice, alcohol, timber, and drugs through various boats, including fishing vessels and cargo ships. Reports indicate that the Arakan Army has also faced attacks from these armed groups, resulting in casualties among its members.
On July 3, members of the Arakan Army, who were providing security in the border area, faced an attack from the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) based on Jaliyah Island in Bangladesh, which led to the death of one army member and injuries to six others.
The Arakan-Bangladesh border has seen the presence of armed groups such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), RSO, and Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA), who have been accused of kidnapping and killing local civilians, as well as committing other violent acts.
One local commented, “Even if things stabilize in the Maungdaw District, the violence from these armed groups will likely continue. It is critical for the AA to determine how to combat these militants effectively. There should also be collaboration with the Bangladeshi government and international diplomats to eliminate this threat. These militants have established themselves in Bangladesh, so negotiations with the Bangladeshi government are necessary.”
The ARSA and RSO are reportedly active in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh while conducting armed violence in the Arakan-Bangladesh border and the islands in the river.
Local residents and refugees allege that these armed groups have been carrying out kidnappings, killings, and human trafficking even within the refugee camps. Some officials in Bangladesh are said to support the RSO, allowing them to operate in a way that enables their violent activities without consequence.
These armed groups, which are reportedly colluding with the military junta, continue to commit violence against local civilians and are also said to be attacking the Arakan Army, according to local residents.
In summary, it has been reported that various militant groups, including the ARSA, RSO, and ARA, are committing violent acts against local civilians, necessitating a concerted effort to address the escalating violence.
(Photo - Some militants from the junta military in Maungdaw District / Social Media)