Arakan Army launches conscription drive in Myanmar’s Rakhine State

The Arakan Army (AA) has been recruiting youths from Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U townships in Myanmar's Rakhine State this week, according to residents and sources with ties to the military junta.A 26-year-old woman from Mrauk-U Township, who was preparing to join the AA, a powerful ethnic armed group based in Rakhine State, said that the recruitment targets men aged 18 to 45 and women aged 18 to 35.The enlistment period lasts two years, she added, noting that selections are made through a random lottery system."The AA troops held meetings in the villages to announce the news,” she said. “They informed residents that those already fighting must continue, while those who haven’t fought yet are required to join the AA to protect the captured towns and villages.” A 23-year-old woman from Mrauk-U Township, who requested to be anonymous, told Myanmar Now that the conscription drive is leading to anxiety within communities. "Individuals with disabilities or health issues are exempt from conscription," the young woman said. Another source closely associated with the AA, who also requested anonymity, told Myanmar Now that the powerful armed group is preparing to enforce its 'Emergency Military Service Law' to conscript young people from all of Rakhine State’s townships under resistance control soon.Details about the AA’s conscription plan remain unclear. Myanmar Now attempted to reach AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha, but has not received a response as of time of publishing.The AA has made significant strides in weakening Myanmar’s junta, seizing key townships in Rakhine and Chin states. Its growing influence is seen as a major challenge to the military regime's control in the region.The AA has taken control of 14 townships in Rakhine State, including Thandwe, Ramree, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Myebon, Pauktaw, Maungdaw, Ann, Taungup, and Gwa, as well as Paletwa Township in Chin State.Fighting has erupted in two of Rakhine State's three remaining townships, Sittwe and Kyaukphyu, leaving Munaung (Cheduba) as the only township untouched by conflict.In areas under its control, the AA governs through its Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government, overseeing local administration, justice, education, and health services, where many youth are employed. Some young people are reportedly apprehensive about the current conscription drive, while others are eager to join the fight, sources say. Pe Than, a Rakhine political commentator and military observer, told Myanmar Now that conscription in the state is not strictly compulsory, but rather a requirement for all individuals of age to undergo military training."There has been no official announcement about compulsory conscription, and I am unaware of any details regarding the conscription plan," he said.The AA says it is fighting not only Myanmar’s junta forces, but also armed Rohingya groups, including the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO), in Rakhine State. Clashes are also ongoing on three fronts outside the state: the Rakhine-Magway, Rakhine-Ayeyarwady, and Rakhine-Bago regions.Amid rising demands to strengthen its forces, some Paletwa residents and Mro ethnic people have reported the AA conscripting new recruits, fueling rumors that soon took shape as a formal plan.In early February 2024, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), a member of the Brotherhood Alliance–a coalition of ethnic armed groups– announced a mandatory enlistment law requiring all Ta’ang men between the ages of 16 and 35 to join their forces.At the beginning of last year, the junta began implementing the compulsory People’s Military Service Law, forcibly recruiting individuals who refused to serve, as well as random people on the streets. The junta’s conscription has led to widespread anxiety and concern among residents in junta-controlled areas.

Arakan Army launches conscription drive in Myanmar’s Rakhine State

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