BGB, Myanmar ‘separatists’ exchange fire near border in Bandarban

Bangladesh border guards have exchanged fire with a ‘separatist outfit’ of Myanmar near the international border in Bandarban.

Additional troops of army and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been flown in to Thanchi Upazila’s Barha Modak area after Wednesday morning’s incident.

A BGB trooper ‘Zakir’ was injured in the shooting.

“The injured BGB member has been rescued from the spot. Additional BGB and army troops are being sent by helicopter in the area to conduct a coordinated operation against the terrorists,” BGB Director General Maj Gen Aziz Ahmed told bdnews24.com.

The firing ensued when activists of the separatists outfit attacked a BGB patrol.

Thanchi’s Remacri Union Council Chairman Maliram Tripura said the shootout with Myanmar separatists ‘Arakan Army’ took place near the BGB camp in Barha Modak area.

Locals said the BGB detained 13 horses on Tuesday, which were used to transport goods meant for the Arakan rebels.

The army’s Bandarban Region Commander Brig Gen Nakib Ahmed Chowdhury, however, refused to provide any further details.