The ultimate dream of the people of Arakan and the military objective of the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) is to ensure that the entire Arakan region is fully returned, without exception, into the hands of the people of Arakan. To this end, the ULA/AA has been exerting every effort. At the same time, within the territories we have taken control of, we are providing public services and security for the people, while also resisting the counteroffensives of the fascist military junta (Junta Commission) with daily defensive operations along the frontlines of Arakan.
Along the long Arakan–Bangladesh border and in some parts of Maungdaw District, the Arakan Army has not yet been able to provide round-the-clock and fully comprehensive security for civilians. Taking advantage of this, Islamist extremist groups such as ARSA and RSO, with bases inside Bangladesh, have been infiltrating into Maungdaw District of Arakan through routes across the Naf River and the Mayu mountain range.
These Islamist extremist groups that cross into Maungdaw District from the border have, in recent days, been ambushing, kidnapping, and killing non-Muslim local civilians who go into forests and hills for firewood, herbs, or trade in isolated areas. At the same time, these extremist groups are fabricating staged battles to make it appear as if they are in fierce clashes with the Arakan Army, using such propaganda to gain sympathy and support.
Moreover, they have been abducting and killing non-Muslim civilians encountered in forests and remote places, disguising themselves in Arakan Army uniforms, and then staging it as if AA’s members were captured during clashes. They record such fabrications and manipulate them on social media platforms in order to gain more support and assistance from Islamist extremist groups abroad.
Such terrorist operations by Islamist extremist ARSA and RSO members now pose a grave threat to the lives, homes, and properties of innocent civilians of Arakan living along the Arakan–Bangladesh border. This is therefore a time when heightened vigilance is required for public safety. For this reason, the civilians of Arakan living in the Arakan–Bangladesh border areas are strongly advised to avoid traveling alone or in very small groups in forests and remote areas. If there are unavoidable and important matters related to health or other urgent needs, civilians should first inform the nearest administrative or security units of the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government before traveling, for safety reasons.
The ULA/AA will also intensify its efforts to strengthen security in Arakan and eliminate the cross-border incursions, terrorist killings, and violent activities carried out by extremist ARSA and RSO militants. Therefore, the ULA/AA calls upon the civilians of Arakan living in the Arakan–Bangladesh border regions to cooperate and participate actively with the ULA/AA.
United League of Arakan (ULA)
DISCLAIMER: The English version of this statement serves as a translation of the original Burmese text for informational purposes only. In case of any discrepancies, the Burmese original shall prevail.
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