Ex-ARSA and ARA Members Enlist with Myanmar Army

Myanmar Military Recruiting Rohingya Factions to Combat Arakan Army

Since 4th April, around 40 Rohingya have been stationed at a military cantonment in Myo Thu Gyi village, Maungdaw

In a recent development, Myanmar's military is reportedly leveraging former members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA) to bolster its forces in the ongoing conflict against the Arakan Army (AA) in Arakan State. Notably, Abdu Halim, a former ARSA operative, along with more than 40 individuals, has already joined a military battalion in Buthidaung. Additionally, around 200 members led by Ayoub, associated with the  Arakan Rohingya Army faction, are preparing to enter Myanmar within the next few days.

 This move comes as part of a broader recruitment drive by the Myanmar army, which has reportedly sought 900 troops from camps in Bangladesh to join their forces. To date, 120 individuals have reportedly agreed to this proposal, with approximately 40 already positioned within a military cantonment in Myo Thu Gyi village, Maungdaw, since 4th April. 

 These recruits originate from camps 17 and 18, with Halim, an ex-ARSA member  taking a lead role. The recruitment drive is also said to be spearheaded by another  ex-ARSA member known as Haled, originating from camp 18 with ties to Chigara, Buthidaung. Halim, in particular, has connections to the village of Aung Zaw Win, a former Member of Parliament with close links to the Myanmar military. Additionally, the operation includes Amir, known as Rafik, an ex-ARSA member who subsequently aligned with ARA.

The recruitment efforts have expanded to include members of the defunct ARA gang, with figures such as Ayoub (former Rohingya Solidiary Organisation (RSO)) and Zubair (former Munna Group) preparing to join the Myanmar military.  Significantly, some of these former ARA gang members have established close connections with Bangladesh law enforcement and intelligence agencies, particularly RAB15.

This collaboration between former ARSA and ARA operatives and the Myanmar military is seen as a strategic move to counter the AA's influence in the region. However, it also raises concerns about the potential implications/repercussions for internal dynamics within the Rohingya community and the broader conflict in Myanmar. 

In response to my inquiries, ARSA stated they believe these recruits might also be deployed against their own organisation.