AA Releases 57 Prisoners, Including POWs, to Mark Qurbani

Narinjara, May 24, 2026

The Arakan Army (AA) released 57 prisoners, including Muslim civilians and prisoners of war (POWs), on May 23 to mark the upcoming Islamic holiday of Qurbani (Eid al-Adha), which falls on May 28, 2026.

The released group comprises nine prisoners of war and 14 of their family members captured during the 2024 conflict, 10 Muslim prisoners, and 24 civilian detainees previously arrested for various offenses.

The individuals were reunited with their families during a formal ceremony in Rakhine State, where the AA also provided each released prisoner with a stipend of 100,000 kyats.

Muslim elders attending the event expressed their gratitude to the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government (APRG) for granting the releases in honor of the Islamic holy Feast of Sacrifice.

Speaking on behalf of the freed detainees, one released prisoner also expressed deep appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Arakan Army, the AA leadership, and the APRG.

To date, the Arakan Army has reportedly released at least 3,000 Muslim prisoners, including prisoners of war captured during active combat and individuals serving sentences for criminal offenses.