The incidents of firing and mortar shelling resumed in Myanmar territory along Teknaf’s Unchiprang border this morning after a hiatus of one day, creating panic among the locals.
After taking control over the military bases in the Dhekibunia area, the Arakan Army and other rebels are now fighting to take control of the Myanmar cities of Shilkhali, Balibazar, and Kuirkhali, which share their border with Teknaf upazila in Cox’s Bazar, according to residents of the Unchiprang area.
A mortar shell landed on the Bangladesh side of the border in Naikhongchhari upazila’s Tumbru border region around 12pm today, said Ghundum UP Chairman Jahangir Aziz.
Rashid Ahmed, a union parishad member for Unchiprang ward-3, said shrimp cultivators have been instructed to evacuate to safety due to the intense sounds of firing and mortar shelling originating from Myanmar.
Waikong Union Parishad Chairman Noor Mohammad Anwari said, “There was firing between Thursday evening and early Friday. The shelling receded on Friday, but resumed again on Saturday morning.”
More than 300 Myanmar people, including members of the Border Guard Police (BGP), army, police, immigration officials, and other organisations, have entered Bangladesh in the wake of a civil war in the neighbouring country.
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) completely disarmed them, gave them safe shelter, and is providing medical care to the injured. The Bangladesh administration is working to quickly send these Myanmar security personnel back to Myanmar.
