Rohingya youth's ankle severed in landmine explosion on Ukhia border

A Rohingya youth was seriously injured in a landmine explosion in Ukhia upazila on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. His right ankle was severed.

The incident took place around 9:30am in the Balukhali border area of ​​Ukhia upazila in Cox's Bazar on Monday (May 25).

BGB 64 Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Md. Zahirul Islam confirmed the matter. He said that a Rohingya youth named Md. Salman, 27, was injured in a landmine explosion about 250 yards from the zero line inside Myanmar adjacent to Katapahar post in the Balukhali BOP area of ​​responsibility on the Ukhia border.

Locals rescued him and took him to MSF Hospital adjacent to Kutupalong Rohingya Camp. Later, when his condition deteriorated, he was sent to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital.

The injured Salman is the son of Md. Nizamat Ali, a resident of G-9 Block of Rohingya Camp No. 10 in Balukhali, Ukhia. The reason for his entry into Myanmar is not yet known, the BGB said.

Earlier, three Bangladeshis were killed in a landmine explosion on the Naikshongchhari border in Bandarban on Sunday morning. Several others were injured in the incident.

According to various sources on the border and BGB information, more than 40 people have lost their legs or been seriously injured in landmine explosions on the Naikshongchhari, Ukhia and Teknaf borders in the last one and a half years. In addition, at least four people have died.

Locals claim that these explosions are caused by mines planted by the rebel group Arkan Army in Myanmar's Rakhine State.