Militant Arakan Army Imposes Travel Permit Requirement in Mrauk-U and Kyauktaw

Mrauk-U and Kyauktaw, 20 October 2026 — The militant Arakan Army (AA) has ordered residents in Mrauk-U and Kyauktaw townships to stop travelling between villages or to nearby towns without official permission.

Local sources said the order was announced through loudspeakers in several villages and neighbourhoods. The restrictions will begin on 21 October 2026.

People were told to remain in their own villages unless they receive authorization from the militant Arakan Army or ULA authorities. One local source confirmed that residents can only leave their village or enter the town if they hold a travel permit issued by militant AA or ULA offices.

Some people reported that they must first obtain a recommendation from their village administrator. They then have to apply at the relevant township-sector administrative office. In some cases, approval from more than one authority is required even for short travel within the same township.

Many residents described the process as burdensome. They fear the permit system and related fees will further limit movement and increase financial pressure. Checkpoints and the complicated authorisation process are already disrupting daily life and livelihoods in areas under militant Arakan Army control.

The Rohingya Monitor also reported yesterday on the permission system of the militant Arakan Army (AA) for Rohingya people in Arakan State. Nineteen Rohingya fishermen were detained by the militant Arakan Army (AA) at around 9:30 a.m. on 12 September 2026 and still in detention. These fishermen took permission from a militant AA base in the Kanyin Chaung Economic Zone near Shwe Zar village in Maungdaw township but were detained by another AA base.

Read more about the Nineteen Rohingya Fishermen Still Held by Militant Arakan Army Coast Guard.

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