Arakan Rohingya Army

The Arakan Rohingya Army is an ethnic Rohingya insurgent group founded by Nabi Hossain.

Formation

Formed in September 2020, ARA claimed that its fighters were based in Rakhine State and that it promised equal rights for everyone. Its leaders, Nabi Hossain and Abdullah Kane, are wanted by Bangladeshi authorities for drug smuggling and mafia-like activities.

The group started fighting against the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army after peace activist, Mohib Ullah, was allegedly killed by the latter group on 29 September 2021.
On 6 February 2024 the Arakan Army and the RSO cooperated on a joint assault against ARA, who had captured a Border Guard Police camp along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border during the Rakhine Offensive. During the month of April, ARSA and ARA reportedly fought with the Tatmadaw against AA in Buthidaung, where they burnt down homes and kidnapped civilians. According to statements from both AA and Rohingya refugees, ARA forcibly recruits young men to fight with the Myanmar military.
On 30 August 2024, Nabi Hossain was arrested by the Armed Police Battalion.
After the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina, Nabi Hossain was released. ARA later clashed with AA from 11-13 January 2026 before fleeing to Bangladesh.