Militant Arakan Army Detains Elderly Rohingya Man in Buthidaung After Night Raid

The militant Arakan Army (AA) detained an elderly Rohingya man after raiding his house in Buthidaung Township on the night of 27 October 2026.

Rohingya Monitor identified the man as Mohammad Eliyas according to information from Dar Paing Sa Yar village. Several AA militants arrived at his house at around 10:45 p.m. while he was sleeping at night and took him away.

Residents said members of the militant Arakan Army (AA) beat him during the arrest. They punched, slapped and kicked him. Rohingya Monitor verified the information from various accounts.

As of 29 October, his family, the village head and other residents still do not know why the AA detained him. They have also not been told where the group is holding him or which camp or battalion is keeping him.

The reason for his detention, its legality and his current location remain unclear. Further information is still needed.

The remaining Rohingya Muslims in Arakan State are facing the worst conditions under both the Myanmar military and the militant Arakan Army. Since the AA took control of large parts of the state, Rohingya communities have suffered repeated persecution and double standards.

On 27 October 2026, Myanmar Navy forces killed four Rohingya fishermen on the Kaladan River near Sittwe. The attack took place during ongoing fighting between the Myanmar military and the militant Arakan Army. Rohingya Muslims in Arakan State continue to be caught between the two sides and remain the main victims of the conflict.