On August 20, 2025, at least 50 members of the Arakan Army (AA) surrounded and laid siege to Thuu U Lar, Dar Gyi Sar, and Phyun Phyu Chaung village tracts in northern Maungdaw Township from the morning hours, according to local sources. The troops have been conducting searches for armed groups across the area.
Residents said that all movement in and out of the villages has been completely blocked. Schoolchildren have also been prevented from attending classes.
“They came in the morning and stationed themselves on the hillside. They’ve been conducting searches. Nobody is allowed to go outside, and the children can’t go to school. If they suspect someone, villagers are interrogated,” said a 35-year-old resident living near Dar Gyi Sar village.
Reports indicate that military activity continued until late at night, and villagers have been experiencing rising levels of fear and psychological distress.
wsnews24.com, after speaking directly with Rohingya residents affected by the siege, confirmed their accounts of worsening hardship. Families described being trapped without access to livelihoods, food supplies, or education for their children, while living in constant fear of intimidation and arbitrary questioning by AA fighters.
Locals said they are urgently calling for effective rule of law and protection measures that can safeguard their security and human rights.