Eight Civilians from Myebon Captured by Junta Navy

Narinjara, May 20, 2026

Eight civilians from the Arakan Army (AA)-controlled Myebon Township in Rakhine State have been detained by a Myanmar junta navy vessel.

The arrested individuals have been identified as:U Ba Shwe Thein (61), Ko Nyi Nyi Lwin (28, his son), Ko San Shwe Myint (28), Ko Lone Taung (28), U Maung Maung Lwin (35), Ko Ye Kyaw Thu (23), Ko Kyan Kyaung Chey (22) and Ko Maung Maung Gyi (22).

Locals reported that the group was apprehended on May 16 while traveling from Kyun Tharyar Village to load firewood and charcoal. They were intercepted by a junta navy ship anchored near Shwe Kyun Gyi in Ann Township.

A local man from Myebon confirmed the incident: “Yes, they were arrested. They were arrested near Kyungyi, Ann Township.”

Families of the detained men are particularly distressed, as they have had no contact with them as of May 19 and remain unaware of where they are being held.

Since fighting resumed in Rakhine State in November 2023, the military has strictly prohibited locals and fishermen from moving freely across the region's waterways.

Junta naval forces frequently fire upon and arrest fishing vessels and boats carrying essential goods, even as civilians risk their lives to secure food. According to local reports, some of those detained have been released following extortion, while others have disappeared entirely after being taken into custody.