Arakan Army fires rounds along Naikhongchhari border

NAIKHONGCHHARI CORRESPONDENT, BANDARBAN

The Arakan Army (AA) fired a large number of rounds from across the Bangladesh-Myanmar border opposite Naikhongchhari, following four days of clashes between two insurgent groups over control of a small island known as Totardwip, local sources said.

Residents said they heard gunfire from the Myanmar side at around 30 points across a stretch of at least 40 kilometres, from the Nikuchhari area near Border Pillar No. 42 to Targu Chhara near Border Pillar No. 54.

Multiple sources said loud sounds were heard in Bangladeshi border villages from dawn on Sunday (Jan 11) until around 8am, across the area between Border Pillars 42 and 54.

Faridul Alam, a former union parishad member, said he heard repeated loud blasts early Sunday, which he believed came from the Myanmar side opposite Border Pillars 42 and 43 near the Chakdhala point (Cherar Math).

Another border resident, Rashedul Islam, said he learned that heavy gunfire was heard near Border Pillar No. 54.

Abdul Karim, who lives near Border Pillar No. 50, said he personally heard what he believed to be the sound of a landmine explosion.

Angkya Tanchanga, a resident of the Nikuchhari border area, said there was heavy firing from the Myanmar side opposite his village on Sunday morning.

Sources said firing was reported at different times across the 40-kilometre belt within a span of five to six hours.

Attempts to contact the commander of 34 BGB were unsuccessful as his mobile phone could not be reached, so no comment was available.

Since Jan 9 through Jan 11, intense fighting has been going on across the border near Teknaf between the Arakan Army and the ARSA group over control of Totardwip, sources said.

Officials and local sources said the Arakan Army, which maintains control along the border, has been firing rounds amid fears of retaliatory attacks by its rivals.