The Arakan Army (AA) has allowed a number of forcibly conscripted Rohingya youths to temporarily visit their families, beginning April 18, 2026, for a period of 10 weeks, but only after completing 45 days of compulsory military training.
The temporary permission follows statements from youths who were detained and subjected to military training at the AA's military regional command headquarters (APP) at Yweh Nyo Taung village, Battalion (15) at Seti Taung village tract, and the strategic camps at Si Taung Monastery in the same village tract.
Hundreds Forcibly Recruited, Including Children
According to a forcibly conscripted youth who agreed to an interview on condition of anonymity due to serious security concerns, over 300 Rohingya youths and at least approximately 100 girls from villages across Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and Rathedaung townships have been forcibly recruited into the AA's forces.
He confirmed that all of them are currently held at Battalion (15) and at Sittong Monastery and strategic camps within Setipyin village tract.
"There are many young children among us," he stated, indicating that a significant number of those conscripted are underage.
Threats Against Families
The youth reported that the AA has issued serious threats against both the conscripted individuals and their families should they fail to return after the 10-week home visit. Local sources describe this as a deliberate mechanism of control to ensure compliance.
