Teknaf, August 30- The border town of Teknaf in Bangladesh is reeling under the impact of intense conflict in neighboring Myanmar. Residents are reporting sleepless nights due to the sounds of mortar shells and bomb explosions coming from across the Naf River, which separates the two countries.

The escalation of fighting between Myanmar's armed forces and the rebel group Arakan Army in Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and surrounding areas in Myanmar's Rakhine State has heightened tension in Teknaf. The conflict's reverberations are being felt from St. Martin's Island to Hoikung in Teknaf, with loud explosions echoing across the border.

Many Bangladeshis living near the border express fears that stray mortar shells could cross into their territory, posing a grave threat to their lives and safety. This fear has intensified in recent days, with local residents of Hnila, Sabrang, and other areas in Teknaf hearing the sounds of heavy artillery from Myanmar, both during the day and at night.

Earlier this week, residents reported seeing flames and smoke in the Myanmar sky, heightening their sense of alarm. "We can hear the sounds of heavy weaponry all the time, and it feels like the conflict is right at our doorstep," said a resident of the Sabrang Union Parishad area. "We are scared to go about our daily activities, afraid that stray shells could come over and cause devastation."

The ongoing conflict between the Arakan Army and Myanmar's military is a bid for control over Rakhine State. According to international reports, the Arakan Army has captured several military outposts along the Myanmar border and has taken control of significant portions of Rakhine State. The fierce battle for control over Maungdaw Township has been particularly intense, with the sounds of gunfire and explosions frequently reaching Bangladeshi border villages.

The people of Teknaf, already accustomed to the constant sound of heavy weapons, now face the added fear of the conflict escalating further. Their anxieties are compounded by the geographical proximity to the fighting, as the Naf River is the only barrier separating them from the violence.

Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and there are calls for increased vigilance and preparedness in the event of further escalation. Meanwhile, the residents of Teknaf remain on edge, hoping for peace while preparing for the worst.