Arakan Army Militants Allegedly Abduct 11 Fishermen from Bangladeshi Waters near Saint Martin’s Island

By: Camp Correspondent

April 8, 2025 | Teknaf, Bangladesh
In a serious escalation of cross-border tension, armed fighters from the Arakan Army (AA) reportedly entered Bangladeshi maritime territory near Saint Martin’s Island early Tuesday and abducted 11 fishermen along with two fishing boats.

According to local sources, including the Teknaf Kayukkhali Boat Owners’ Association, the incident occurred during the early hours of April 8 while the fishermen were at sea. The AA militants, using speedboats, crossed into Bangladesh waters, opened fire, and forcibly seized the boats and crew members at gunpoint.

“They suddenly entered our waters and surrounded two trawlers. Eleven fishermen were taken hostage along with the vessels,” said Abul Kalam, General Secretary of the Boat Owners’ Association. “These repeated incidents are creating fear among coastal fishing communities. We urge the government to take effective measures.”

The abduction has sparked renewed concern among fishers and traders in Teknaf and surrounding areas, many of whom rely on the waters near Saint Martin’s for their livelihood. Fear of further attacks is mounting as the security situation along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border remains fragile.

Lieutenant Colonel Md Ashiqur Rahman, Commanding Officer of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion 2 in Teknaf, confirmed the incident. “We have received credible reports that the boats and fishermen were taken across the border. Coordination with relevant security agencies is underway to recover them,” he stated.

The incident marks another alarming development amid ongoing armed conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, where the Arakan Army has intensified its military operations and established de facto control over large areas, including regions near the Bangladesh border.

This latest cross-border abduction adds to growing instability in the Naf River and Bay of Bengal region, where border residents—including Rohingya refugees—remain vulnerable to violence, forced recruitment, and extortion by armed groups.