The Myanmar junta has launched intense air strikes in Rakhine State to reclaim territory currently held by the insurgent Arakan Army (AA), causing powerful explosions that shook the Bangladesh border in Teknaf.
The strikes, which targeted Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships, began around 8am on Thursday. Residents across a wide area of the border, from Jadimura to Shah Porir Dwip, reported hearing deafening blasts that sparked widespread panic in the border communities.
This follows a series of four heavy mortar shell explosions heard between 9:37pm and 9:42pm on Wednesday night.
In response to the escalating conflict and the potential for a fresh influx of Rohingya refugees, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has significantly reinforced its presence. Patrols have been intensified across land routes and the Naf River.
Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed, BGB Ramu sector commander, said the force is on maximum alert to prevent illegal infiltration. “Whenever air strikes or armed clashes occur in Rakhine, the impact is felt in our border areas,” he said, noting that BGB has made all necessary preparations to handle the situation.
Under the leadership of Lieutenant Fuad Rahman of Teknaf 2 BGB, patrols involving drones and boats were conducted on Thursday afternoon in areas including Nightyongpara, Boraitali, and Jadimora. Surveillance also extends to Hnila and Shah Porir Dwip to curb infiltration and smuggling.
The human cost across the border is already being reported. Mohammad Elias, a Rohingya refugee living in a camp in Ukhiya since 2017, stated that his relatives still in Myanmar have witnessed significant destruction. According to Elias, at least two Rohingya have been killed and between 20 to 30 houses destroyed in the recent shelling of AA positions in Maungdaw and Buthidaung.
“Thousands of Rohingya in Maungdaw are living in extreme fear, and many are preparing to cross into Bangladesh,” Elias said, adding that there have been approximately 30 air strikes over the last two days.
On the Bangladeshi side, locals are equally distressed. Anisur Rahman, a resident near the Naf River at Shah Porir Dwip, described feeling the earth shake. “I heard four massive explosions. During the first one, I could see flames across the river,” he said, adding that local residents suspect mortar shells may have been fired by the Arakan Army.
The conflict between the Myanmar junta and the Arakan Army resumed recently after a period of relative calm following clashes on 28 December last year. As the junta attempts to regain control of Rakhine State, the shadow of war continues to loom over border communities in Bangladesh, causing many residents to consider seeking safer shelter.
