Teknaf, July 8 (V7N)- Throughout the night, there were airstrikes and gunfire across the border in Myanmar's Rakhine State near Teknaf Upazila in Cox's Bazar. As a result, the people living at the border had a sleepless night. The junta government, having lost control in the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, conducted airstrikes on the Arakan Army in an attempt to regain control over Rakhine State.
 
From midnight yesterday until noon on Monday, loud sounds of heavy artillery were heard at regular intervals. The intensification of the ongoing war between the Arakan Army and the armed forces in Myanmar's Rakhine State has increased the sense of fear along the border, leading to concerns about potential border crossings.
 
Border residents report that months of continuous conflict in Myanmar have left those living near the border in constant fear. Especially from last night, the loud sounds of heavy artillery have shaken our homes. Such noises have never been heard before. Consequently, people at the border have been advised to remain alert for safety reasons.
 
Nur Hossain, a resident of Jalia Para near the municipal border, said, "The ongoing war in Myanmar over the past few months has heightened fear among border residents. Last night, the airstrikes continued throughout the night, causing our homes' doors and windows to shake. We had to leave our homes in fear. We have never heard such loud noises before, which made us spend a sleepless night in terror."
 
Local journalist Abdur Rahman from Teknaf said, "I have never heard such explosions before. We spent the whole night in fear without sleep. The situation is very dire."
 
Lieutenant Colonel Md. Mohiuddin Ahmed, Commander of Teknaf-2 BGB Battalion, said, "Today also, sounds of gunfire are being heard at various points along the border, but they are coming from inside Myanmar. We are on high alert to prevent any new border crossings. Residents living along the border have been advised not to wander near the border without urgent need."
 
Locals reported that from early Sunday morning until Monday morning, loud artillery sounds were heard along the borders of Hwaikyang, Hnila, the municipal area, Sadar, Sabrang, and St. Martin's Union in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar.
 
Mohammad Selim, a shopkeeper at Shah Porir Dwip Jetty Ghat, said, "Even in the morning, the loud sounds of artillery from Myanmar were heard. People in Teknaf and St. Martin's are moving cautiously."
 
Meanwhile, in the ongoing conflict between the junta forces and the armed group Arakan Army in Rakhine State, helicopter attacks were carried out on villages except for the townships of Maungdaw. As a result, approximately four thousand people from these areas have fled their homes and taken shelter in border villages for the past few days. They are reportedly waiting for an opportunity to cross into Bangladesh.
 
Abdus Salam, UP member of Ward No. 9 in Teknaf Shah Porir Dwip, said, "Heavy artillery sounds were heard at the border last night. The noise subsided somewhat in the morning. With the help of BGB, we have advised the border residents not to wander near the border without urgent need."
 
END/SHM/SAM/