Tensions have flared once again inside Myanmar near the Bandarban border, as intense clashes between three armed groups – Arakan Army (AA), Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), and Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) – have continued for several days.
These clashes have caused widespread panic in the bordering areas.
On Saturday at around 8pm, fierce gunfire erupted between these armed factions on the Myanmar side of Tumbru Chakma Para frontier in Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari Upazila.
The fighting took place approximately 300 to 400 metres inside the boundary from Border Pillar 34, according to sources.
Speaking to TIMES of Bangladesh, local resident Monir Ahmed stated, “Around 8pm, there was a sudden loud noise of gunfire. Initially, it sounded like fireworks, but soon I realised it was gunfire. The shooting continued intermittently for about half an hour.”
As the gunfire intensified, people in the border area panicked and stayed indoors. Some families moved to safer locations, taking their children with them.
On Tuesday, clashes between the Arakan Army and ARSA broke out in Myanmar’s Longpongpara area from the morning. Previously on Wednesday, the gunfire continued from morning until afternoon, spreading panic among the villagers near the Alikadam border.
According to sources from the Ramu Battalion (30 BGB), the fighting mainly occurred in the area between Border Pillars 55 and 56 and near the Buchitong border post.
Lt Col Kazi Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, commanding officer of the Ramu Battalion, said, “Fierce clashes are going on between the Arakan Army and ARSA across the zero line in the Poa Muhuri and Buchitong border post areas.
“However, no casualties have been reported so far. The BGB remains on the highest alert.”
Meanwhile, Lt Col SM Khairul Alam, commanding officer of the Cox’s Bazar Battalion (34 BGB), added, “We have received reports of clashes between the Arakan Army, ARSA, and RSO inside Myanmar.
“The incident has not occurred within our border, but we have intensified security measures and are closely monitoring the border situation.”
There have also been reports of sporadic clashes between the Arakan Army, ARSA, and RSO in the remote areas of Kurikapata Union, across the Alikadam Upazila in Bandarban.
Local residents of the Mro community stated that at least four rounds of gunfire exchanges have occurred since last month.
Local sources revealed that the area between border pillars 34 and 57 has long been used as a safe route for cattle and drug smuggling. Armed groups are in fierce competition for control of this route, which has led to the ongoing clashes.
The BGB has deployed battalions along Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari, Alikadam, Thanchi, and Ruma borders. Additional patrols have been deployed in these border regions.
Lt Col Kazi Mahtab Uddin Ahmed of Ramu Battalion stated, “While these incidents are internal matters of Myanmar, we are closely monitoring the situation as they are happening at the border. Our personnel are on high alert.”
