Members of the Arakan Army (AA) have been accused of destroying two centuries-old mosques in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State.
After a lengthy investigation, wsnews24 confirmed the authenticity of the incident by speaking with local Rohingya residents and community leaders who requested anonymity. Such actions by the Arakan Army constitute violations of international law.
The mosques, located in Ywet Nyo Taung and Kwan Dine villages, were described by villagers as being hundreds of years old and holding profound historical and spiritual significance for the local Rohingya community.
Residents reported that both structures had survived previous waves of violence, including the widespread burning of both villages in 2024. The AA seized control of the area during that time, forcing many Rohingya families to flee.
“When our villages were burned last year, the mosques did not catch fire,” said one local resident. “But later, AA members returned and destroyed them deliberately.”
Local witnesses expressed deep distress over the destruction, viewing it as an attack on their heritage. “These mosques were symbols of our faith and history. Seeing them destroyed is heartbreaking,” one witness stated. “They connected us to our ancestors and reminded us of who we are.”
Another villager accused the AA of a targeted effort to erase Rohingya history from the region. “The AA wants to erase every trace that proves Rohingya people have lived here for generations,” the villager said. “Destroying our mosques means they are trying to wipe out our identity.”
The Arakan Army has not released an official statement regarding these specific allegations.
However, community members and human rights observers reportedly believe the alleged destruction is part of a broader campaign to erase Rohingya cultural and religious heritage from northern Rakhine.
Following this incident, residents now fear that other historic sites, including mosques, cemeteries, and other religious landmarks, could also be targeted.
