Teknaf, Dec 19, (V7N) - The ongoing conflict between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State has worsened, with heavy shelling and violence spilling over into the early hours of December 19. Residents in the border area, particularly in Teknaf's Sabrang region, woke up to the terrifying sound of mortar shells being fired from both sides.

At around 2 a.m. local time, the booming noise of the artillery sent shockwaves through the community, causing widespread panic. The force of the explosions was so intense that many local residents, including children, were immediately roused from their sleep. The loud and sudden blasts created an atmosphere of fear, with children crying and families scrambling for safety as they feared for their lives.

Testimonies from Locals

Sarwar Kamal, a resident of the Teknaf Sabrang area, shared his account of the horrifying experience. He described how the mortar fire was so loud and overwhelming that it caused many people in the area to wake up in shock. Children, in particular, were frightened, with many unable to stop crying due to the fear and confusion caused by the blasts.

A Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, speaking under the condition of anonymity, also provided insight into the dire situation. According to the individual, many Rohingya people are currently trapped in the conflict zone, caught between the military's shelling and that of the Arakan Army. This source expressed grave concern about the mounting casualties among the Rohingya population, as both sides' artillery has led to numerous deaths and injuries.

Rohingya Refugees Facing Escalating Crisis

The source further revealed that the Rohingya refugees, who have already been displaced due to years of violence, are now facing an even greater crisis. The ongoing violence in Rakhine State has left them with little choice but to seek refuge across the border in Bangladesh, which is the closest safe haven. However, given the intensifying conflict, many fear that they will be unable to find sanctuary, as the Bangladesh-Myanmar border area becomes more dangerous due to frequent skirmishes and heavy military presence.

The statement from the anonymous Rohingya refugee underscores the urgency of the situation. The ongoing shelling, combined with the lack of proper shelter, medical assistance, and protection, has made it nearly impossible for the displaced to live in safety. The international community has raised concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian crisis, with aid agencies warning that the number of displaced people could continue to rise if the violence persists.

Rising Tensions on the Bangladesh-Myanmar Border

The increased military action and artillery fire along the border has caused growing tensions between the Bangladesh and Myanmar governments. Although the border is heavily patrolled, the flow of refugees has surged in recent months as the conflict escalates in Rakhine State. Authorities in Bangladesh are facing challenges in managing the influx of displaced individuals while also ensuring the security of their border.

Humanitarian organizations have expressed deep concerns about the safety of civilians, both those caught in the crossfire within Myanmar and the refugees attempting to flee to Bangladesh. The situation is becoming increasingly difficult to monitor, and the border communities in Teknaf, as well as other parts of Bangladesh, are living in heightened fear of more shelling and potential violence spilling over from Myanmar.

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