Rohingya families in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships of northern Rakhine State are fleeing across the border into Bangladesh due to mounting military pressure and widespread human rights violations, local residents told wsnews24.
According to reports, the Arakan Army’s (AA) clearance operations have led to the arrest and detention of Rohingya youths, while economic opportunities have completely collapsed. As a result, around 80 percent of families in Buthidaung and 20 percent in Maungdaw have already fled to Bangladesh, while those remaining are living in fear and instability.
Tensions are especially high along the Maungdaw border zone, where clashes between the Myanmar military and AA have intensified. Locals reported that frequent naval operations are taking place near the Aletangyao naval base in southern Maungdaw and around Bangladesh’s St. Martin’s Island, leaving residents deeply anxious about their safety.
With military pressure rising, the civilian population across Rakhine State is suffering severe humanitarian hardship. International human rights organizations have so far failed to provide effective protection, contributing to a surge in Rohingya displacement into Bangladesh, residents said.
The Bangladeshi government has issued official statements on the matter and launched relief operations. However, observers warn that the ongoing crisis of Rohingya safety and humanitarian needs could become a major concern for the international community.
