Ayeyarwady Region: Holders of 11/Rakhine ID Cards Targeted for Arrest and Forcibly Sent for Military Training

News ၊ July 19, 2026

Conscriptees for the 5th weekly batch at Kengtung Training Depot (11) (sourcr@MO)

It is reported that in Ayeyarwady Region, the military junta, police forces, and their affiliated militias have been conducting stricter searches and arrests this month targeting Rakhine nationals holding 11/ citizenship verification cards who have arrived from Rakhine State, as well as Rakhine war refugees who have been sheltering there previously. Some of those arrested are being forcibly sent for military service.

On July 14, the junta army arrested six Rakhine individuals who were taking shelter as war refugees in Zee Pin Kwin and Aung Zan Kwin villages in Laymyethna Township. It is also known that some Rakhine youths were arrested in the Shwethaungyan area during the first week of July.

Earlier, on June 19, about 10 Rakhine locals in the Kun Gyi village tract of Laymyethna Township were arrested on suspicion of having links with the Arakan Army (AA). Additionally, over 20 Rakhine war refugees were arrested in Yegyi Township.

Those newly arriving in Ayeyarwady Region from Rakhine State are being ambushed and arrested by plainclothes personnel at junctions and checkpoints. Long-standing war refugees are also being continuously arrested under pretexts related to guest lists and reporting requirements.

Furthermore, some war refugees from Gwa and Thandwe townships are also reported to be under arrest in Laymyethna Township. Even returnees who had visited their families in their home townships are being arrested for allegedly failing to inform the administrative bodies in time.

The junta army, police, and militias are conducting ambushes and cordon-and-search operations in villages along jungle routes crossing the Rakhine Yoma range, the Ngawun River, and creek areas. They are continuing to arrest war refugees arriving via motorboat and jungle trails towards Ngathaingchaung, Yegyi, Thabaung, Pathein, Chaungtha, and Shwethaungyan.

Although arrests of war refugees coming from Rakhine State to Ayeyarwady Region occur frequently, the number of those prosecuted is low, and families are reportedly unable to know the subsequent status of most of those arrested.

Currently, while fighting intensifies in Yegyi, Laymyethna, and Thabaung townships, it is reported that not only Rakhine war refugees but also some local residents are being arrested and forcibly sent for military service.

Additionally, in some townships within Ayeyarwady Region, there are difficulties for Rakhine people to register on guest lists. Those living without guest list registration and holders of 11/Rakhine identity cards are reportedly being subjected to special checks at checkpoints and continue to be arrested.

source@onenationnews