Loud explosions in Myanmar’s Maungdaw cause panic in Teknaf
During this time, warplanes were also seen hovering over Myanmar's sky
Loud explosions in Myanmar's Maungdaw, a town in Rakhine State, are causing panic among residents along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf upazila.
Residents of Teknaf municipality, Sadar union, Sabrang union, and Shah Porir Dwip reported sleepless nights, with the area trembling from massive explosions between 4 am and 11 am on Saturday.
Witnesses also reported warplanes hovering over Myanmar's skies, leading to speculation that junta forces are bombing Arakan Army hideouts. Similar explosions were heard on Friday as well, further heightening fears among border residents.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Chairman of Sabrang Union Parishad, Nur Hossain, told TBS, "The sound is coming from villages on the south side of Maung Daw in Rakhine. Houses in Teknaf are shaking from the blasts of mortar shells, bombs, and powerful grenades."
He added that keeping children and elderly residents calm amidst the panic has become challenging.
Residents near the border reported fighting in areas such as Ukilpara, Foyezipara, Sikderpara, Haripara, and Fatangza, south of Maung Daw.
"Many people are staying outside their homes in the cold, fearing the explosions. Houses vibrate at regular intervals from the constant blasts," said Md Islam, a resident of Teknaf's Nayapara.
Mohammad Sharif, a member of Ward 5 of Sabrang Union Parishad, echoed Islam, stating that residents in his area have been living in fear since the explosions began on Thursday night.
