Myanmar Airstrikes Spark Fears of New Rohingya Influx, Border Guards on Alert

Repeated airstrikes by Myanmar’s military in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships of Rakhine State have heightened fears that more Rohingya may attempt to flee into Bangladesh, prompting heightened vigilance from border guards. DHAKA – Recent airstrikes by Myanmar’s military in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships of Rakhine State have heightened fears that more Rohingya may attempt to flee into Bangladesh. Speaking with Rohingya refugees in camps in Cox’s Bazar reveals growing anxiety following repeated airstrikes and mounting pressure from the Arakan Army, after several of its fighters were reportedly killed in an ambush by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). Kalimullah, a Rohingya refugee living in a camp in Teknaf, claimed that an armed group believed to be linked to ARSA attacked Arakan Army vehicles in a hilly area three days ago, killing several fighters. He said the Arakan Army then accused local Rohingyas of aiding 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. The Global Arakan Network, a media outlet considered close to the Arakan Army, reported that two Myanmar fighter jets dropped bombs on Buthidaung after 2pm on Wednesday afternoon, injuring a Rohingya woman and two children. It also noted strikes on Rohingya-populated areas in Maungdaw and Arakan Army positions on Sunday morning, Wednesday night, and Thursday afternoon. A Rohingya resident of Maungdaw, who requested anonymity, said Wednesday’s airstrikes hit areas near the Bangladesh border, while Thursday’s attack took place farther north. He said that although Rohingya-populated areas were struck, Myanmar’s military appeared to be targeting Arakan Army positions. “People are still managing to find temporary shelter inside Rakhine. But if the airstrikes and fighting intensify, many Rohingyas may try to flee to Bangladesh,” he said. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Ramu Sector Commander Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed confirmed that explosions were audible from Teknaf. “Whenever airstrikes take place, people across the border become frightened. We have seen in the past that many Rohingyas 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, adding that airstrikes intensified after sunset on Thursday afternoon. “Different sources are reporting between 18 and 27 bomb strikes. Although the numbers vary, it is clear that a significant number of airstrikes have taken place. We first received information about an airstrike at around 10:24am Wednesday, and reports have continued to come in throughout the day,” he added. Residents along the Teknaf border were gripped by panic after four powerful explosions, shortly after 9:30pm, shook houses from Jadimura to Shah Porir Dwip on Wednesday night. Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer SM Anik Chowdhury said loud sounds of explosions and gunfire were heard from Myanmar. “We are monitoring the situation. Border residents have been requested not to panic unnecessarily but to remain cautious,” he added. As Cambodia is not geographically adjacent to Myanmar, the direct impact of the escalating situation in Myanmar is considered limited at present. However, regional instability could indirectly affect Cambodia's tourism sector and economy. The Rohingya issue, in particular, garners significant international attention, and responses to humanitarian aid and refugee issues may influence future regional dynamics.