Child killed by Myanmar border gunfire in Teknaf

A 12-year-old girl was killed on Sunday morning after being hit by a stray bullet fired from across the Myanmar border during intense clashes in Rakhine State.

The victim, identified as Huzaifa Afnan, daughter of Jasim Uddin from the Techhibridge area of Whykong union, was playing in her yard when she was struck. While initial reports from local officials were conflicting, hospital sources later confirmed the child had died from her injuries. Another local resident, a young man, was also reportedly injured in the same incident.

Heavy fighting has escalated over the past three days in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, directly opposite Teknaf. The conflict involves the Myanmar military junta, the Arakan Army (AA), and several Rohingya armed groups, including ARSA and RSO.

Angry residents blocked the Teknaf-Cox’s Bazar highway on Sunday, demanding better security and government action to protect border communities from cross-border fire.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Coast Guard have intensified patrols and surveillance along the Naf River and land borders to prevent any infiltration or further spillover of violence.

Villagers in Whykong and Palongkhali report that deafening explosions and gunfire have become a constant presence, forcing many families to flee their homes for safety.

Local authorities, including the Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), have advised residents to stay away from the border and seek safe shelter during active clashes.

The violence follows a similar incident on Thursday where a Bangladeshi fisherman was shot and wounded by gunfire from the Myanmar side.