The Arakan Army (AA) has begun selling off looted property in the town of Maungdaw, according to multiple local sources. Reports suggest that much of the inventory being sold such as -vehicles, electronics, and solar equipment was forcibly seized from Rohingya civilians during previous military takeovers.

The sale reportedly began on Friday(August 1) and has spread across both the northern and southern parts of Maungdaw. Items such as motorcycles, solar panels, engines, and batteries are being offered at prices significantly below market value. A high-quality motorcycle, typically priced at over 10 million kyat, is being sold for as low as 6 to 7 million kyat. Cheaper Chinese models are available for around 2 million kyat, while popular W100 models are reportedly fetching over 3 million kyat.

However, the origins of these items have sparked serious concern. Locals allege that many of the goods being sold were stolen from Rohingya families during the AA's seizure of Maungdaw in August last year. Under the pretext of offering "protection," the group allegedly forced Rohingya residents to evacuate their homes. Fleeing for their safety, most left with only the clothes on their backs. Their abandoned homes were then systematically looted furniture, motorbikes, fridges, beds, personal items, and even electric meters were taken and moved to other towns like Buthidaung.

Local residents estimate that over 5,000 vehicles and motorcycles were owned by residents of Maungdaw, many of them belonging to Rohingya families. Those same vehicles and other stolen goods are now being resold sometimes back to members of the same community from whom they were taken.

The sudden push to liquidate these assets has raised suspicions that the AA may be preparing for a retreat, as the Myanmar military junta is reportedly planning a counteroffensive to retake control of Maungdaw. "We’ve seen AA officers selling off property for cash with our own eyes," one resident confirmed.

Human rights groups are voicing growing concern over the AA’s actions, calling it a clear case of economic exploitation and organized looting. “What we’re seeing in Maungdaw is not just a military occupation, it's a systematic effort to dispossess and financially cripple a vulnerable community,” said one rights advocate.

As the conflict in Rakhine intensifies, the plight of the Rohingya already displaced and marginalized continues to worsen, with Maungdaw now serving as a grim example of how armed groups are profiting from humanitarian suffering.

BOB Post