Residents of Tekhnaf upazila reported sound of mortar shell explosions from Myanmar early Sunday amid clashes between security forces and rebel group Arakan Army.
“Sound of heavy gunfire was heard across the border early Sunday. We all feel fear all the time as mortar shell hits our house anytime,” a villager told this correspondent.
He added a tense situation has been prevailing along the border area amid fierce fighting, skirmishes and gunfire between the armed forces of the military junta and insurgent groups inside Myanmar since long.
The Cox's Bazar Teknaf Border Upazila, stretching 30 kilometers, has been shaken by loud mortar shell explosions from across the Naf River in Myanmar. Residents in the border area reported hearing these sounds overnight, leading to a resurgence of panic among the local population.
In various locations, including Teknaf municipality, Hnila, Jadimura, Damdamia, Nightyongpara, Jaliapara, Nazirpara, Sabrang, and Shahpari Island, the echoes of explosions were pervasive. Locals noted that after a brief lull, the loud sounds of mortar fire have returned, causing houses to tremble.
Mohammad Ibrahim, a resident of Nightongpara, described hearing explosions throughout the night, likening them to mortar shells.
Besides, Md Ismail from Shahparir Dwip reported hearing the blasts every 5 to 10 minutes, expressing concern over the inability to sleep due to the ongoing disturbances.
Reports indicate that the loud noises began around 9 PM and have continued into the night.
In response to the internal conflict in Myanmar, members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Coast Guard are on high alert to prevent any influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh.
Mohammad Ali, a local UP member from Hnila Union, confirmed that the sound of explosions was heard clearly after 9:30 PM, affecting residents throughout the area, including within his own home.
A tense situation is prevailing in and around the area as the border community grapples with the unsettling noise from across the river.
