Arakan Army begins second recruitment drive in Rakhine amid intensifying counteroffensive

What happened

The Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) reports that the Arakan Army (AA) commenced compiling lists for a second round of forced recruitment in Thandwe Township in Rakhine State as of Sunday. This drive targets males aged 18-45 and females aged 18-35, who are required to serve at least two years if residing within AA-controlled territory seized since the group launched its offensive in November 2023. This is the second such recruitment round since March 2025.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. A local resident from Thandwe told DVB on condition of anonymity that recruitment brochures have been distributed publicly to announce the drive. The AA’s previous mandatory recruitment included only male residents selected through a lottery system, while this second campaign now incorporates females, though the selection method for this phase remains unannounced. The AA has not disclosed recruitment numbers, and its spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.

Thandwe was captured by the AA in 2024, alongside other key areas, with the group controlling 14 of Arakan’s 17 townships and parts of neighbouring Chin State. In March 2025, the AA enacted a ‘National Defence Emergency Provision’ implementing a travel ban on eligible residents until the conflict eases. Meanwhile, the regime has launched a counteroffensive since September 4 targeting Thandwe and nearby townships including Ponnagyun, Kyaukphyu, and Sittwe.

Known from the source

• Arakan Army (AA) started a second recruitment drive in Thandwe Township, targeting males 18-45 and females 18-35.
• Mandatory service for recruits is at least two years if living in AA-controlled territory seized after November 2023.
• First recruitment round was in March 2025, included only males selected by lottery.
• AA enacted a 'National Defence Emergency Provision' in March 2025 imposing travel bans for eligible residents.
• Thandwe was seized by AA in 2024; AA controls 14 of 17 townships in Arakan and parts of Chin State's Paletwa township.

What remains unclear

In August, the military administration in Arakan mandated forced recruitment of Rohingya youths from Sittwe, with conscription laws applying to males and females from 2024 requiring two to three years of service. The ongoing conflict involves overlapping recruitment drives, front-line offensives, and no clear resolution on control of key areas, contributing to continued instability and civilian impacts in the region.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Confirmation of the exact recruitment method for the second AA drive. Official numbers or estimates of those recruited in the second round by the AA. Verification of female recruitment extent and participation conditions.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: DVB English. Open the source.