Myanmar airstrikes in Rakhine spark fears of new Rohingya exodus to Bangladesh

Heightened military airstrikes in Myanmar's Rakhine State, particularly in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships, are fueling fears among Rohingya populations of an impending flight into neighboring Bangladesh. The escalating conflict and insecurity have prompted increased vigilance along the border.

Recent reports indicate that the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group, is intensifying pressure on Rohingya communities. This follows an ambush where several AA fighters were allegedly killed by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). The AA has reportedly accused local Rohingyas of aiding ARSA, leading to increased scrutiny and fear among civilians.

Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar camps express growing anxiety. Kalimullah, a refugee in Teknaf, recounted an incident where an armed group, believed to be linked to ARSA, attacked Arakan Army vehicles. He stated that the AA subsequently blamed local Rohingyas, exacerbating the pressure on the civilian population.

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The repeated airstrikes have further heightened fear among civilians. Many want to move to safer places, but the Arakan Army is preventing them.

"The repeated airstrikes have further heightened fear among civilians. Many want to move to safer places, but the Arakan Army is preventing them," Kalimullah said. The Global Arakan Network, a media outlet associated with the AA, reported that Myanmar fighter jets bombed Buthidaung and struck Rohingya-populated areas in Maungdaw, as well as AA positions.

Residents near the Bangladesh border have reported hearing powerful explosions and gunfire from Myanmar. Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed of Border Guard Bangladesh confirmed that explosions were audible from Teknaf and noted that Rohingyas often attempt to cross into Bangladesh during such periods of airstrikes. "We have seen in the past that many Rohingyas try to cross the Naf River into Bangladesh during such situations. That is why we are on alert to prevent any illegal border crossings," he stated.

Explosions were heard near the border on Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon, causing panic among residents in Teknaf. While the exact number of strikes varies by source, it is clear that a significant number of airstrikes have occurred, with reports indicating they intensified after sunset on Thursday. Although Myanmar's military appears to be targeting AA positions, the proximity to the Bangladesh border and the general insecurity raise concerns about a potential new wave of refugees.

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Whenever airstrikes take place, people across the border become frightened. We have seen in the past that many Rohingyas try to cross the Naf River into Bangladesh during such situations. That is why we are on alert to prevent any illegal border crossings.