Asia’s New ‘Golden Triangle’ and the Arakan Army’s Drug Empire

The Arakan Army, active in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, has drastically transformed its identity over the past few years. Once an ethnic insurgent group, it has now evolved into one of Asia’s largest and most dangerous narco-terrorist organizations. Recent intelligence reports and field data reveal that the Arakan Army is no longer fighting solely for political […]

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Why did Muslim leaders Realize that They Needed a “Nationality” Identity of “Statehood”

Martin Smith, a well-known author, writer and Burmese specialist, writes in his book “Arakan (Rakhine): a Land in Conflict on Myanmar’s Western Frontier” that, “In the countdown to Myanmar’s independence in January 1948, the crisis in Arakan was fatefully ignored. This has always been the territory’s misfortune during times of national change. British officials admitted […]

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Can’t roll out red carpet: Indian Supreme Court on Rohingya migrants

The Supreme Court on Tuesday wondered whether Rohingya “refugees” should be granted a “red carpet welcome” at a time when the country was grappling with its own poverty, as it refrained from issuing any formal notice to the Union government on a plea alleging illegal custodial disappearance of five of them. “You know they are […]

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Bangladesh Government rejects long-term stay for new Rohingya entrants

Bangladesh Prioritizes Repatriation, Refuses Long-Term Stay for Newly Arrived Rohingya According to statements by RRRC Chief Mizanur Rahman, the Bangladesh government has decided that newly arrived Rohingya fleeing forced conscription and pressure from the Arakan Army/ULA in Rakhine will no longer be granted long-term stay in Cox’s Bazar refugee camps. Instead, authorities will prioritize their […]

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Myanmar tops world landmine casualty rates amid ban challenges: Monitor

New landmine use in Myanmar, Ukraine and other conflicts coupled with funding cuts for clearance saw casualty numbers surge in 2024, a monitor said Monday, warning the international ban faced “unprecedented challenges”. According to the Landmine Monitor, 6,279 people were wounded or killed by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) across 52 countries and […]

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Mosques Damaged by Sagaing Earthquake Still Not Allowed to Be Rebuilt

More than eight months after the powerful earthquake in Sagaing, the Muslim community reports that they still have not been granted permission to rebuild the mosques that were damaged or collapsed. Local residents say that some mosques that were even granted demolition approval are being left standing because people fear that once demolished, they may […]

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Myanmar Navy Arrests 513 Rohingya by Opening Fire; They Remain Detained in Sittwe

According to local sources, 513 Rohingya who left Myanmar by sea in an attempt to reach Malaysia were intercepted by the Myanmar Navy near the Pauktaw coastline on November 21. The Navy reportedly opened fire before arresting them, and the detainees are still being held in Sittwe’s central police station and local prisons. Among those […]

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Bangladesh in the Grip of Arakan Army’s ‘Drugs Attack’

Bangladesh Under Threat from Arakan Army’s Expanding Drug Empire The ongoing conflict, power struggles, and proliferation of armed groups in Myanmar’s Rakhine State have long created serious security risks for Bangladesh. Among these groups, the Arakan Army (AA) has in recent years emerged as the most influential, militarily capable, and territory-controlling organization. Beyond the Rohingya […]

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Myanmar Navy Opens Fire on Boat Carrying About 400 Rohingya

– Many Injured and All Taken into Custody in Sittwe The Myanmar Navy opened fire on a motorized boat carrying around 400 Rohingya who had departed Bangladesh by sea en route to Malaysia. The incident occurred on November 21, after which the boat was stopped and all passengers were detained and taken to Sittwe, according […]

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Arakan Army officer among 24 arrested in $120 billion kyat methamphetamine seizure

Myanmar authorities seize 4,000kg of Ice worth 120 billion kyats, exposing a terror-funding nexus involving th  Arakan Army. 24 arrested in nationwide raids Security forces in Myanmar have dismantled a massive transnational drug trafficking ring, seizing 4,000 kilograms of Ice (methamphetamine) with an estimated street value of 120 billion kyats. The multi-regional operation resulted in […]

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