The intensity of fighting between Myanmar’s government forces and the armed group Arakan Army in Rakhine State has escalated further. On Thursday afternoon, plumes of smoke and fire were visible from within Rakhine, as seen from the Teknaf border in Bangladesh. Loud explosions were also heard. Over the past week, more than eight thousand Rohingya refugees have crossed the border and sought shelter in the refugee camps of Teknaf and various villages, according to local Rohingya leaders in Cox’s Bazar. However, no official statement has been released by the Bangladesh Coast Guard or Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on this matter.
Mohammad Jahangir, a resident of the Teknaf border, mentioned that around 6 PM yesterday, smoke was visible from Sudapara village in Rakhine State, as seen from the Jaliapara area of Teknaf Municipality. Loud explosions were also heard. Moniruzzaman, a councilor of Teknaf Municipality, confirmed hearing loud noises from across the border in the afternoon.
Mohammad Yasin, a resident of a Rohingya camp, relayed information from a relative still in Myanmar, stating that many lives were lost in the day’s attacks. The Arakan Army has ordered Rohingyas to leave Maungdaw Township in Rakhine State. Additionally, many people are being forcibly relocated to other villages. In short, the situation there is described as horrific.
