Teknaf, Nov 05 (V7N) — In a distressing incident, members of Myanmar's Arakan Army (AA) reportedly abducted 20 Bangladeshi fishermen while they were fishing in the Naf River near Teknaf this afternoon. The abduction took place around 4:00 pm near the Naikhondia area, located at the confluence of the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal.

The fishermen, hailing from the Jaliapara area of Shahpori Island in Teknaf, were reportedly taken away at gunpoint. According to witnesses, AA members arrived in a large trawler, overpowering the fishermen in two motorized and 13 non-motorized boats. The men were forced onto the AA trawler before being transported away, leaving their boats abandoned in the estuary.

Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Adnan Chowdhury confirmed the abduction, adding that local authorities have been notified and are coordinating with relevant agencies to address the situation.

The incident has heightened tensions along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, with families and local residents anxiously awaiting updates on the fishermen's fate.

END/FA/AJ