Fresh airstrikes carried out by Myanmar’s military in Rakhine State have sent shockwaves across the border into Bangladesh, with residents in Teknaf reporting that powerful explosions caused houses to tremble and sparked fear among local communities.
The strikes were reported on Wednesday in and around Maungdaw, an area currently controlled by the Arakan Army, one of Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic armed groups.
According to residents living close to the frontier, the military launched a series of intermittent aerial attacks throughout the day.
People in Shah Porir Dwip, Teknaf Sadar and Sabrang said the loud blasts could be clearly heard from across the border.
Many described moments of anxiety as the explosions shook buildings, frightening families and particularly young children.
Lieutenant Colonel Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan, commanding officer of the 2 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion, said, "The fighting took place roughly 18 kilometres inside Myanmar from the Shah Porir Dwip border.”
He also said, "The clashes remained within Myanmar’s territory but confirmed that the explosions were strong enough to be felt on the Bangladeshi side of the frontier.”
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Anik Chowdhury also confirmed the renewed airstrikes.
He said, "Both the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Bangladesh Coast Guard have stepped up vigilance along the border to monitor the situation and ensure security.”
The latest violence follows several months of relative calm in the border region.
Earlier rounds of fighting between Myanmar’s military government and the Arakan Army in Rakhine State frequently sent the sound of artillery and airstrikes across the frontier, affecting communities in Bangladesh’s Teknaf and Ukhiya areas.
While the renewed fighting has once again raised concerns among residents living near the border, Bangladeshi authorities continue to monitor developments closely as the conflict unfolds inside neighbouring Myanmar.
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