Series of Explosions at Myanmar Border Sparks Panic in Teknaf

Rtv News

Publish : 08 Dec 2024, 09:23 AM

Photo: Collected

The border area of Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar is rattled by repeated explosions from Myanmar's Rakhine State, particularly Maungdaw Township. Deafening blasts have left residents of Teknaf municipality, its central area, Sabrang, and Shah Porir Island sleepless at night.

On Saturday (December 7), explosions were heard continuously from 4 a.m. to 11 a.m. Local residents in Teknaf reported that the powerful blasts from Myanmar caused their homes to shake. Fear-stricken, many spent the cold nights outdoors, unable to sleep.

For over a year, Myanmar's junta forces and the Arakan Army have been engaged in fierce battles. Most of Rakhine State, especially areas close to Teknaf, is now under the control of the Arakan Army. In its desperate attempts to reclaim lost territories, the junta has launched continuous airstrikes. On the ground, several armed Rohingya groups are fighting against the Arakan Army on behalf of the junta.

Residents near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border reported hearing loud explosions throughout Thursday evening until late Friday night. During this time, aircraft were seen circling Myanmar's airspace. It is believed that bombs are being dropped from planes targeting Arakan Army positions in Maungdaw. The presence of fighter jets in Myanmar's airspace was visible from Teknaf municipality, Sabrang Union, and Shah Porir Island.

Sabrang Union Parishad Chairman Noor Hossain confirmed that the sounds of explosions were coming from the southern villages of Maungdaw. The loud blasts from mortar shells and grenade attacks have been shaking houses on this side of the border, leaving locals sleepless.

According to border residents, areas like Ukil Para, Foyez Para, Sikdar Para, Hari Para, and Fatangza in southern Maungdaw have been at the center of fighting for over a year. Most of Rakhine State is now controlled by the Arakan Army. Myanmar's military is conducting air raids while armed Rohingya groups engage in ground battles against the Arakan Army.

Mohammad Sharif, a member of Sabrang Union Parishad’s Ward No. 5, and Abdus Salam, a member of Ward No. 9 of Shah Porir Island, said the loud explosions from across the border have left the people of Teknaf in a state of panic.

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