Several Rohingya who were relocated from Maungdaw downtown have reportedly been abducted by the Arakan Army (AA) in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, Myanmar. According to local sources, the AA has been confiscating mobile phones, communication devices, gold, money, and other valuable possessions under the pretense of rescuing people.

The abductees have been identified as Anuwar Sha and his three sons, U Ishak, Hafizu, and Azim—four well-known figures in Maungdaw downtown. A resident of Bomu village stated that these men were innocent and were abducted based on allegations of providing accurate information about Maungdaw to the outside world.

Another resident of Maungdaw downtown confirmed that mobile phones, gold, money, and other valuables are being seized from those who have been relocated to other villages under the guise of rescue operations.

“Most people don’t own mobile phones because they heard about similar confiscations happening to refugees in Buthidaung Township. Those who do have phones are having them inspected and confiscated one by one. Gold, money, and other valuables are also being taken,” said the resident.

The AA claims to be rescuing people from war zones to safe areas, but the reality appears to be different. Reports indicate that more than 100 Rohingya, including men and youths, have already been abducted by the AA among the relocated individuals in Maungdaw Township.