The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA): Objectives, Tactics, and Impact on the Rohingya Struggle
Origins of ARSA and Its Founding
ARSA’s origins trace back to the earlier days of Rohingya activism. It is believed to have emerged as a response to increasing oppression and the failure of peaceful advocacy efforts. Initially, the group was known as the "Faith Movement," which was founded in 2012 by a group of Rohingya militants who were influenced by the growing frustration within their community over its inability to defend itself from persecution. The group became publicly known as ARSA after 2016, when it escalated its military activities.
The group gained international attention in October 2016, when it carried out coordinated attacks on several police posts in Rakine State, killing at least nine Myanmar policemen. This marked the beginning of its armed struggle against the Myanmar military. The Myanmar military, in retaliation, launched "clearance operations," which led to widespread violence and forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh.
Objectives and Ideology of ARSA
ARSA's main objective is to secure the rights and safety of the Rohingya community and to seek an end to their oppression. The group calls for the recognition of the Rohingya as full citizens of Myanmar, the repeal of discriminatory laws that marginalize them, and an end to the military’s violent operations in Rakine State. The group’s leadership, primarily composed of Rohingya refugees, believes that through armed resistance, they can force the Myanmar government to acknowledge the rights of the Rohingya people and end the decades-long cycle of persecution.
ARSA's ideology is centered on the idea of defending the Rohingya's right to self-determination and freedom. While the group's leadership has emphasized that they are fighting against the Myanmar military and not against civilians, the conflict has led to the deaths of both military personnel and civilians. In their public communications, ARSA has often claimed that their actions are retaliation against the brutal violence inflicted on the Rohingya by Myanmar’s military, which they describe as a "genocidal" force.
Structure and Tactics of ARSA
ARSA operates in a highly decentralized manner. Its members are mostly based in Rakine State, although many of its fighters are recruited from Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, where they are given training in guerrilla warfare tactics. The group is believed to operate in small, hidden cells across the region, making it difficult for the Myanmar military to eradicate the movement entirely. ARSA primarily employs guerilla tactics, such as ambushes, bombings, and hit-and-run operations, to target Myanmar's military forces and police.
Despite its limited resources and lack of formal training, ARSA has managed to conduct several significant attacks. The group's attacks in 2017 were particularly devastating, with over 700,000 Rohingya fleeing to neighboring Bangladesh to escape the Myanmar military’s brutal crackdown. During these attacks, ARSA reportedly took control of several military outposts and police stations, leading to the deaths of dozens of security forces. The Myanmar military's response was swift and severe, resulting in massive human rights violations, including widespread killings, sexual violence, and arson.
ARSA’s Controversial Role in the Conflict
ARSA’s actions have been highly controversial, both within Myanmar and internationally. The Myanmar government and military have labeled ARSA as a "terrorist" organization, accusing it of destabilizing the region and instigating violence. The international community, including the United Nations, has expressed concern over the group’s violent tactics, but has also criticized Myanmar’s military for its role in the persecution of the Rohingya people. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused Myanmar's military of carrying out atrocities that may constitute crimes against humanity.
Within the Rohingya community, ARSA is seen by some as a necessary force in the struggle for survival against a militarized government that has long refused to recognize their rights. Others, however, argue that the group’s violent tactics have worsened the situation for the Rohingya and contributed to the deepening of the conflict. The group's actions have also raised questions about the legitimacy of armed resistance movements, especially in a context where international human rights laws prohibit attacks on civilians.
The International Response and ARSA's Impact
The international community has largely condemned the violence perpetrated by ARSA, calling for an end to armed conflict and advocating for peaceful negotiations to resolve the Rohingya crisis. The United Nations has called on Myanmar to take responsibility for the atrocities committed by its military and has urged both the Myanmar government and ARSA to engage in dialogue to bring about a peaceful solution.
Despite international calls for peace, the situation remains highly complex. ARSA’s role in the conflict has made it difficult for humanitarian organizations to operate in Rakine State, where the region has become an epicenter of violence and displacement. Many Rohingya continue to live in squalid refugee camps in Bangladesh, with little hope for a return to Myanmar under the current political conditions.
Conclusion
ARSA remains a significant player in the conflict over the future of the Rohingya people. While its actions are widely viewed as a response to the systematic oppression of the Rohingya by Myanmar's government, the group’s use of violence has complicated efforts for peace. Its long-term effectiveness in achieving its goals is uncertain, as the group faces challenges such as limited resources, a lack of international support, and strong opposition from the Myanmar military. The situation in Myanmar remains one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time, and any hope for a resolution will require addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the status and rights of the Rohingya people.
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