Muslim Civilians Displaced by ARSA Threats Relocated to Safety in Maungdaw Township

 

Muslim civilians from Kyaukchaung and Phaklèpyin villages in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, have been relocated to a safer area after facing persistent threats from the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), according to local sources.

On December 31, displaced families from the two villages arrived to permanently resettle in Ywetwinpyin village. The journey required approximately three hours of walking on foot through forested hills and ravines under difficult conditions.

Both Kyaukchaung and Phaklèpyin villages have very small populations, leaving residents vulnerable to ARSA ambushes, kidnappings, and killings, particularly at night. To reduce these risks, the Arakan Army (AA) provided security along the route and organized the collective relocation to Ywetwinpyin, where a larger population allows for improved safety.

A village administrator in Ywetwinpyin said local residents warmly welcomed the displaced families, noting that Phaklèpyin had just over 20 households and Kyaukchaung only four. In such small villages, security is extremely difficult, making collective resettlement a safer option.

Displacement Figures

Preliminary data indicate that 27 households comprising 92 people have relocated from the two villages.

Phaklèpyin Muslim Village

• 23 households; 73 people (45 men, 28 women)

• Age groups:

  • Under 5 years: 13

  • 5–12 years: 12

  • 18–60 years: 36

  • 60 years and above: 4

• Includes 7 lactating mothers

Kyaukchaung Muslim Village

• 4 households; 19 people (7 men, 12 women)

• Age groups:

  • Under 5 years: 3

  • 5–12 years: 4

  • 18–60 years: 5

  • 60 years and above: 1

• Includes 1 lactating mother

A displaced resident from Kyaukchaung village said the small population left families unable to sleep at night due to fear of ARSA attacks. Although the journey to Ywetwinpyin was exhausting, living together with more families has brought a sense of safety. The resident added that livestock had been left behind and that assistance had been requested to retrieve cattle and buffalo. Promises of land for livelihoods, schools, and clinics were described as a source of hope for the future.

Local administrative officials said detailed population data are being collected to ensure organized support for healthcare, education, and basic needs. Farmland will be allocated fairly to help families rebuild their livelihoods, and arrangements may be made—depending on the security situation—to retrieve livestock left behind.

At present, shelters are being constructed for the relocated families, and basic food assistance is being provided to support their resettlement, according to local sources.

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