Episode: KPN 05-07-2026

BGB on alert as Myanmar airstrikes in Rakhine raise fears of new Rohingya influx

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has stepped up vigilance along the Bangladesh-Myanmar frontier following repeated Myanmar military airstrikes in northern Rakhine State, amid growing fears that renewed violence could force more Rohingya to flee across the border.

Rohingya refugees in camps in Cox’s Bazar told KPN that anxiety has intensified after airstrikes in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships and reports of mounting pressure by the Arakan Army (AA) on Rohingya civilians.

The tension reportedly escalated after several AA fighters were killed in an alleged ambush by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).

Rohingya civilians face growing pressure

Kalimullah, a Rohingya refugee living in a camp in Teknaf, said an armed group believed to be linked to ARSA attacked AA vehicles in a hilly area three days earlier, killing several fighters.

According to Kalimullah, the AA subsequently accused local Rohingya residents of helping ARSA and Myanmar’s military, increasing pressure on civilians.

“The repeated airstrikes have further heightened fear among civilians. Many want to move to safer places, but the Arakan Army is preventing them,” he said.

KPN could not independently verify the reported ambush, casualty figures or allegations against local Rohingya residents.

Airstrikes reported in Buthidaung and Maungdaw

Global Arakan Network, a media outlet regarded as close to the AA, reported that two Myanmar military fighter jets dropped bombs on Buthidaung after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, injuring a Rohingya woman and two children.

The outlet also reported airstrikes on Rohingya-populated areas in Maungdaw and on AA positions on Sunday morning, Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon.

A Rohingya resident of Maungdaw, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said Wednesday’s strikes hit locations near the Bangladesh border, while Thursday’s attack occurred farther north.

Although Rohingya-populated areas were affected, the resident said Myanmar’s military appeared to be targeting AA positions.

“People are still managing to find temporary shelter inside Rakhine. But if the airstrikes and fighting intensify, many Rohingya may try to flee to Bangladesh,” he said.

BGB strengthens border vigilance

BGB Ramu Sector Commander Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed confirmed that explosions had been heard from Teknaf.

“Whenever airstrikes take place, people across the border become frightened. We have seen in the past that many Rohingya try to cross the Naf River into Bangladesh during such situations. That is why we are on alert to prevent any illegal border crossings,” he said.

Colonel Ahmed said reports from different sources indicated that between 18 and 27 bombs may have been dropped, although the exact number remained unclear.

“We first received information about an airstrike at around 10:24 a.m. on Wednesday, and reports continued to come in throughout the day,” he added, noting that the strikes intensified after sunset on Thursday.

Explosions spread panic along Teknaf border

Residents along the Teknaf frontier reported widespread panic after four powerful explosions shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday shook houses from Jadimura to Shah Porir Dwip.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer SM Anik Chowdhury said loud explosions and gunfire had been heard from across the border in Myanmar.

“We are monitoring the situation. Border residents have been requested not to panic unnecessarily but to remain cautious,” he said.

The latest violence has renewed concerns over the safety of Rohingya civilians remaining in northern Rakhine State and the possibility of further displacement toward Bangladesh.

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