Arakan Army Denies Killing Five Rohingya in Myanmar's Rakhine State

The Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic minority insurgent group in Myanmar, has denied involvement in the killing of five Rohingya Muslims in Maungdaw township, Rakhine State, near the Bangladesh border. The bodies of the five men were found dead after their arrest by the Arakan Army.

The victims were identified as Abdul Amen, Malawe Mohamed Sayad, Aisalam, Arbul Karlam, and Numar Lal Hakem. Their families were not allowed to collect the bodies. Prior to their arrest and subsequent death, the Arakan Army had clashed with the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a Muslim insurgent group, near the village where the five men were from.

In a statement, the Arakan Army said that various insurgent groups and drug gangs operate in the complex region, and that people opposed to the AA could be trying to damage its reputation. The group stated that it has been established to protect all people in Rakhine, including Muslims, and has never intentionally killed Muslim civilians.

Why this matters: The killing of the five Rohingya men highlights the ongoing conflict and complex dynamics between various armed groups in Rakhine State. The incident raises concerns about the safety and security of civilians, particularly the Rohingya minority, who have faced persecution and violence in the region.

The Arakan Army also disputed parts of a recent statement by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk. The AA said that the commissioner needs to clarify the term 'multiple actors' in Rakhine State and mention the role of Muslim extremist groups like ARSA, Arakan Rohingya Army, and RSO, who have re-emerged and are causing suffering to civilians, including non-Muslims. The group also rejected the commissioner's categorization of the AA and the Myanmar military in the same way, stating that the Myanmar military is a terrorist group that has committed atrocities against Arakanese and Muslims.

The Arakan Army further denied allegations that ethnic Rakhine villagers have burned Rohingya villages, claiming that it is the junta authorities and Muslim extremist groups that have burned down Arakanese houses and villages. The group said that the commissioner's comparison of the current situation to the communal violence in 2012 and 2017 is based on a false belief, as the ULA government has been promoting social harmony and providing aid to all communities, unlike the junta's efforts to incite racial hatred.

Key Takeaways

• Arakan Army denies involvement in killing of 5 Rohingya men in Rakhine State.
• Victims were arrested by Arakan Army before their bodies were found dead.
• Arakan Army claims various insurgent groups and drug gangs operate in the region.
• Arakan Army disputes UN Human Rights Chief's statement, citing role of Muslim extremist groups.
• Arakan Army rejects comparison to Myanmar military, claiming it promotes social harmony.