The Arakan Army released statements linking ARSA, RSO, the Myanmar junta, and Border Guard Bangladesh

News

Global Arakan Network September 28, 2025

Arakan Army released a statement on September 27, 2025. The summery of the statement said that beginning on 16 September 2025, the Islamist extremist group ARSA launched coordinated assaults on border security posts in northern Maungdaw Township, targeting strategic points such as Point 601 Hill and Done Nyo Camp.

Despite repeated infiltration attempts and harassment fire supported by drone surveillance and coordinated operations with other extremist groups like RSO, the Arakan Army successfully defended these positions.

The attacks exploited difficult terrain and concurrent military offensives in other regions. ARSA militants retreated after several days of clashes, although smaller skirmishes have persisted.

The statement accuses certain corrupt officers within Bangladesh’s Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) of aiding these militants by providing military and logistical support and allowing extremist bases near BGB camps.

Map Showing How ARSA, RSO Activities Are Interlinked with BGB Camps (photocrd)

The militants have also committed brutal attacks on local civilians, often disguising their atrocities as actions by the Arakan Army through propaganda and staged battles. The United League of Arakan calls on the Bangladesh government to take immediate action against these elements to ensure border security and regional stability, while urging the international community to monitor and help contain the situation.

Kye Highlights of the statements are;

• Coordinated ARSA attacks targeted key border security points in Maungdaw Township starting 16 September 2025.

• Despite infiltration, Arakan Army maintained firm control of Point 601 Camp throughout the assaults.

• Terrorist operations employed drone surveillance, harassment fire, and encirclement tactics.

• Alleged collaboration between ARSA, RSO, and corrupt Border Guard Bangladesh officers enabled militant activities.

• Militants committed brutal killings, abductions, and extortion against local civilians, disguising their crimes to implicate Arakan forces.

• The United League of Arakan urges Bangladesh to act against extremist sympathizers within BGB to prevent further escalation.

• Calls for international monitoring and cooperation to maintain border security and regional stability.

Key Insights Include;

• Cross-Border Militant Collaboration and Support: The statement alleges coordination between ARSA, RSO, and certain corrupt officers within Bangladesh’s Border Guard Bangladesh. This collaboration includes logistical support, establishment of militant bases near BGB camps, and facilitation of infiltration routes. Such complicity, if substantiated, undermines bilateral relations and complicates counterterrorism efforts, necessitating urgent diplomatic and security responses.

  
  

• Impact on Local Civilians and Human Rights Violations: The militants’ attacks extend beyond military targets to include brutal killings, abductions, torture, extortion, and looting of civilians, particularly targeting non-Muslim Rakhine and other ethnic communities. These actions not only destabilize the region but also exacerbate communal tensions and contribute to humanitarian crises.

  
  

• Border Security and Regional Stability Risks: The resurgence of ARSA and RSO terrorist activities poses a direct threat to the security of Arakan’s population and regional stability. The involvement of extremist sympathizers within official border forces increases vulnerability, risking escalation of violence and undermining trust between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

  
  

• Economic and International Implications: The instability threatens foreign investment and endangers international personnel operating in the region. Continued militant activities and cross-border tensions could deter developmental projects and economic growth, highlighting the interconnectedness of security and economic wellbeing.

  
  

• Call for International and Bilateral Cooperation: The United League of Arakan’s appeal to the international community and the Bangladesh government underscores the necessity for multilateral engagement. Effective containment requires transparent investigations, addressing corruption within border forces, intelligence sharing, and joint security initiatives to restore peace and prevent further militant incursions.

  
  

Full statement can be found in the given link.