Kyaukphyu ferry owner, 13 passengers charged over alleged links to Arakan Army

By Admin 04 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

4 July 2026, Kyaukphyu

A ferry owner and 13 passengers detained by Myanmar's military regime on the Thanzit River in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, have been charged over alleged links to the Arakan Army (AA) and the transportation of illegal goods, according to local sources.

On June 8, a ferry carrying goods from Minbya Township to Ramree Township was intercepted by a junta warship near the confluence of the Thanzit River in Kyaukphyu Township and Minchaung Creek in Ramree Township.

The military alleged that the food supplies aboard the vessel were intended for the Arakan Army and subsequently charged those on board with alleged association with the Arakan Army and illegal transportation of goods.

"The complaint was reportedly filed by the military. They claimed the goods were logistical supplies for the Arakan Army. Some of the detainees are also facing charges related to illegal trade," a Kyaukphyu resident familiar with the families of the detainees told DMG.

The accused are U Shwe Khe, U Sein Win Maung, Daw Kyi Kyi Khin, Daw Mi Mi, Daw Win Win Shwe, Daw Tin May Than, Maung Zaw Min Aung, U Ko Ko Aung, Ko Nay Myo Thein, Daw Myint Myint Khin, Daw Mya Mya Kyaw, U Khin Zaw Oo, Daw Chaw Su Ma, and U Than Win Lwin, comprising seven women and seven men.

The detainees are from Ramree, Kyaukphyu, Taungup and Myebon townships. Some are traders transporting food and consumer goods for sale in their respective townships.

DMG is continuing to verify the specific legal provisions under which the ferry owner and the 13 passengers have been charged.

Family members are reportedly seeking permission to visit the detainees, but military authorities have so far denied all requests.

"The detainees are ordinary travellers and traders. Because the regime is losing ground to the Arakan Army, it is arbitrarily targeting Arakanese civilians. People have become vulnerable to arrest whenever they fall under military control, so many now try to avoid regime-controlled areas whenever possible," a Ramree resident close to the detainees said.

Since fighting resumed in Arakan State, the regime has imposed extensive restrictions on transport and movement under its so-called four cuts strategy, creating widespread humanitarian and economic hardship.

Local residents continue to face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment while travelling for business and other livelihood activities.

As the Arakan Army has expanded its territorial control across much of Arakan State, the regime has increased naval deployments along waterways, further restricting river transport and threatening civilian travel.