Aye Myat Khaing, Narinjara News, 24 January 2025

The Arakan Army (AA) stated that it provided basic military training to local security and community defense personnel  in some parts of Arakan State, but denied allegations of  recruiting minors for military service.

AA spokesperson  U Khaing Thukha made it clear while responding  to reports that Mro people, including minors as young as 13, were forcibly abducted and provided military training in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships.

“These are false accusations. We do not recruit minors for military training. It is not true that minors are being forcibly recruited and trained,” added Khaing Thukha.

He asserted that the AA offers basic security training to protect the lives and properties of local residents, particularly in response to threats posed by Muslim armed groups operating near the border.

“We are providing basic security awareness training to locals so they can stay vigilant and protect their villages from terrorists. Moreover, they should know how to use force for self-defenses. It’s essential for the safety of locals,” he explained.

U Khaing Thukha emphasized that security training is especially important for the minority people who have been living in border areas and he appealed to the citizens to cooperate in the initiative.

“As you all know, terrorist groups have gathered thousands in refugee camps across the Naf river, threatening to massacre our people. As the governing authority, we are taking the necessary steps to address these security concerns. Responsible citizens should cooperate with our effort,” stated the spokesperson.

Some  local residents reported that over 90 Mro people, including the minors, were forcibly abducted by the AA fighters in December 2024 and recruited for military service.

A young Mro university student, who fled the conflict to Yangon, claimed that similar incidents of abduction involving Mro, Chin, and Daingnet (Thetkama) communities  had taken place in the past too.

“As citizens, we understand our responsibility to protect this region. However, it is equally important to treat ethnic groups fairly and respectfully. We have been monitoring the recruitment of these groups and observed many cases of violence. Arakan State faces many challenges, and everyone living here must contribute in whatever way they can,” he added.

By December 2024, the AA had taken full control of the entire border with Bangladesh. However, the armed Muslim groups, including Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) and Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA), reportedly collaborated with the military junta, causing suffering to people in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships. In response, the AA deployed thousands of fighters with an aim to secure the border.

In an interview with the BBC, RSO leader Ko Ko Lin stated that they would focus armed activities in  Buthidaung and Maungdaw regions and launch attacks against the AA fighters.