Two Myebon fishermen missing after junta troops throw fishermen into sea

A junta warship pictured at sea. Photo: CINCDS

DMG Newsroom

9 October 2026, Myebon

Two local fishermen remain missing after military junta forces detained, severely tortured, and cast six fishermen into the open sea off Myebon Township, Arakan State, within a single week, according to local sources.

On October 6, junta warships stationed near Hnakhaungpauk Village in Kyaukphyu Township intercepted and seized a local fishing boat operating in the offshore waters of Myebon Township.

Local residents identified the three fishermen aboard as Ko Kut Kut Chay, 27, Ko Myint Maung San, 33, and Ko Ye Lin Aung, 23, all hailing from Ohnchaung Village in Myebon Township.

Junta soldiers subjected the three men to severe physical torture, punching them in the face and stomping on their abdomens. The soldiers then confiscated their motorized fishing vessel and abandoned the beaten men in open waters.

"They were fishing at sea and drifted near the Kyaukphyu Township border," a Myebon resident said. "Junta warships operating in the area spotted and seized them. The soldiers interrogated and beat them severely before throwing them into the open sea."

Ko Kut Kut Chay survived after being rescued by a passing civilian fishing boat. However, Ko Myint Maung San and Ko Ye Lin Aung remain unaccounted for.

Although local residents are fully aware of active junta warships patrolling the offshore waters, severe economic hardship forces many villagers to risk their lives fishing at sea to sustain their livelihoods.

"We still do not know what happened to the missing fishermen," another Myebon resident said. "Some locals fear they have drowned. Search efforts are severely restricted because local boats dare not venture far offshore while junta warships are active in the area."

In a similar incident on October 2, junta forces intercepted three fishermen working near the sea border between Myebon and Kyaukphyu townships, subjecting them to severe beatings.

Furthermore, on September 17 and 18, junta troops detained 13 Muslim fishermen operating off Pauktaw Township before eventually releasing them.

Local fishing communities face mounting fear and anxiety as junta forces increasingly target civilian fishing boats with heavy weapons fire, unlawful detentions, and physical torture across Arakan waters.