Myanmar airstrikes near Teknaf border

The Myanmar military has once again launched air strikes in Rakhine State near the Bangladesh border. Following a hiatus of nearly seven months, the explosions from the attacks carried out were heard across various areas of the Teknaf border in Cox's Bazar, triggering panic among local residents on Wednesday night (July 1).

According to border residents, four powerful explosions were heard in quick succession around 9:30pm. Houses shook across several areas stretching from Teknaf's Jadimura to Shah Porir Dwip. Startled by the loud noises, many residents rushed out of their homes in fear.

Mohammad Salam, a resident of the area near the Naf River on Shah Porir Dwip, mentioned that flames were visible across the Naf River right after the first explosion. He believes the blasts occurred deep inside Myanmar territory.

Abul Fayez, a member of the Sabrang Union Parishad, noted that the deafening sounds of the explosions caused the greatest panic among children and the elderly.

According to local sources, the Myanmar military also carried out air strikes in the Buthidaung and Maungdaw areas of Rakhine on Wednesday morning. Several Rohingya social media groups claimed that a few civilians were injured in those attacks, though this information could not be independently verified.

The last major tense situation along the border occurred on December 28 last year, when the sounds of clashes between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military reached the Ukhia-Teknaf border.

Local sources indicate that the Myanmar military's activities had been relatively low over the past few months in the areas of Rakhine controlled by the Arakan Army. However, fresh air strikes were launched in the Buthidaung area on Wednesday morning.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) S. M. Anik Chowdhury stated that the sounds of explosions coming from inside Myanmar were heard along the Teknaf border. He assured that the administration is closely monitoring the situation and advised border residents to remain alert rather than panicking unnecessarily.

He further added that, according to initial reports, the air strikes were carried out in Myanmar's Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships.