Civilian Casualties Continue to Rise in October as ARSA Terrorist Attacks Kill Four and Injure Six in Maungdaw

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Global Arakan Network October 24, 2025

Civilians Killed by ARSA Terrorists in Maungdaw (Photocrd)

During October, a total of four local civilians were killed and six others, including children, were injured in shootings carried out by the ARSA in Maungdaw and Buthidaung Townships, Arakan, according to the local news agency.

Locals said that, as ARSA has been continuously targeting civilians and travelers, residents are now living in fear and avoiding travel for livelihood purposes.

“It’s becoming really frightening now. ARSA attacks are happening more often. People are afraid to travel for work like before. Even passing through near the forests makes us fear,” said a resident from Maungdaw.

On October 21, a local man was killed when ARSA militants opened fire near Tharyar Kone Village, Maungdaw Township.

Similarly, on October 22, ARSA militants ambushed a passenger vehicle traveling from Zaydi Pyin Village in Rathedaung Township toward Kyauk Pandu Village, resulting in the deaths of two women and injuries to three men, including a child.

Earlier, on September 28, around 3 p.m., the Arakan Army discovered six decomposed bodies of local civilians who had been killed and dumped by armed Muslim extremist groups near Ahtet Inn Chaung Village, Maungdaw Township.

In September, the Arakan Army announced that it would launch clearance operations against the armed Muslim extremist groups infiltrating Arakkha territory from Bangladesh.

These infiltrating groups have been reportedly abducting and killing ethnic civilians, including Arakanese and other indigenous peoples, along the border areas.

In Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships, ethnic groups such as the Arakanese, Khami, Mro, Thet, Dainet, and Kaman—many of whom rely on farming, hunting, and collecting bamboo shoots in the hills—are now living in fear of ARSA ambushes and attacks.

Reports indicate that in 2025 alone, around 40 civilians, including travelers, have been killed by ARSA in the Maungdaw and Buthidaung areas.

The ULA/AA stated that its forces are currently conducting clearance operations against the armed Muslim extremist groups that have been abducting and killing innocent civilians.

Furthermore, due to increased infiltration and militant activity by these extremist groups, the ULA/AA has warned locals not to travel alone in forests or remote areas and to inform security forces in advance if travel is necessary for health or other urgent matters.

source@arakanbaynews