AA admits providing basic military training to locals, denies recruiting minors

The Arakan Army (AA) stated that it provided basic military training to local security and community defense personnel  in some parts of Arakan State, but denied allegations of  recruiting minors for military service.

AA spokesperson  U Khaing Thukha made it clear while responding  to reports that Mro people, including minors as young as 13, were forcibly abducted and provided military training in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships.

“These are false accusations. We do not recruit minors for military training. It is not true that minors are being forcibly recruited and trained,” added Khaing Thukha.