Fresh airstrikes by Myanmar's military in Rakhine State triggered powerful explosions that shook Bangladesh's Teknaf border on Wednesday, with residents reporting that houses trembled due to the blasts.
According to local residents, the Myanmar junta carried out intermittent airstrikes in and around Maungdaw, an area under the control of the Arakan Army.
People living in Shah Porir Dwip, Teknaf Sadar and Sabrang said the loud explosions caused panic, especially among children.
Lieutenant Colonel Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan, commanding officer of the 2 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion, said the clashes took place about 18 kilometres from the Shah Porir Dwip border inside Myanmar.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Anik Chowdhury confirmed the airstrikes and said the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Bangladesh Coast Guard are on heightened alert along the border.
The latest strikes come after months of relative calm following heavy fighting between the Myanmar junta and the Arakan Army in Rakhine State, which also shook the Teknaf and Ukhiya border areas last year.
HIS/TF
