Teknaf, Nov 10 (V7N) — A fierce gunfight between two rival Rohingya groups broke out late Sunday night at the Nayapara Registered Rohingya Camp in Cox’s Bazar’s Teknaf upazila, turning the entire camp into what residents described as a “battle zone.” Continuous gunfire throughout the night created a tense atmosphere, forcing thousands of Rohingya refugees to remain locked inside their shelters in fear.

According to local sources, the clash erupted around 11 p.m. on November 8 inside the Nayapara camp over territorial control between two armed Rohingya factions. The exchange of fire lasted for nearly an hour, with witnesses estimating that 30 to 40 rounds were fired. “Suddenly, gunshots rang out all around us after 11 p.m. The sound was terrifying. No one dared to leave their shelters. The children were crying—it felt like a war had broken out inside the camp,” said one Rohingya resident who requested anonymity.

Upon receiving reports of the incident, Teknaf police and members of the 16th Armed Police Battalion (APBn) rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. Security patrols were intensified throughout the night, and additional police forces were deployed at the camp’s entry points.

Teknaf Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zayed Noor confirmed the gunfight and said, “Police conducted an immediate operation at the scene. The situation is now under control, and efforts are underway to identify those involved.”

Preliminary investigations suggest the clash stemmed from internal disputes among Rohingya criminal groups vying for dominance within the camp. Over the past several months, Nayapara Camp has witnessed a series of violent incidents, including gunfights, kidnappings, and killings. Locals allege that several armed groups have been active in the area for years, engaging in drug trafficking and extortion-related conflicts.

A Rohingya community leader expressed deep concern, saying, “We just want to live peacefully, but these armed groups have made life unbearable. Unless police and APBn patrols are strengthened, a major incident could happen at any time.”

The repeated outbreaks of violence have sparked renewed fear among both camp residents and nearby locals. Many are calling for more frequent and large-scale security operations to prevent further bloodshed.

Police confirmed that the situation remains under control and assured that security operations in the camp area will continue until stability is fully restored.

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