Arakan Rohingya Army

Formed in September 2020, ARA claimed that its fighters were based in Rakhine State and that it promised equal rights for everyone.^[4] Its leaders, Nabi Hossain and Abdullah Kane, are wanted by Bangladeshi authorities for drug smuggling and mafia-like activities.^{[8][9][2][1][10]}

The group started fighting against the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army after peace activist, Mohib Ullah, was allegedly killed by the latter group on 29 September 2021.^[2]

On 6 February 2024 the Arakan Army and the RSO cooperated on a joint assault against ARA, who had captured a Border Guard Police camp along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border during the Rakhine Offensive.^[1] During the month of April, ARSA and ARA reportedly fought with the Tatmadaw against AA in Buthidaung, where they burnt down homes and kidnapped civilians.^[11] According to statements from both AA and Rohingya refugees, ARA forcibly recruits young men to fight with the Myanmar military.^[12][13]

On 30 August 2024, Nabi Hossain was arrested by the Armed Police Battalion.^[14]

After the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina, Nabi Hossain was released.^[15] ARA later clashed with AA from 11-13 January 2026 before fleeing to Bangladesh.^[16][17]