Three Bangladeshi nationals from the ethnic Chakma community were killed after landmine explosions near the Naikhyongchhari border area in Bandarban District of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which borders Taungpyo Town in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State.
According to Bangladeshi media reports, the incident occurred around 11:00 AM on May 24 near Bhalukhia Village under Pillar No. 268 in the Reju area of Naikhyongchhari Township, Bandarban District.
The victims were identified as Chingkhong Chakma, 44, Chopoching Chakma, 47, and Ankyamong Chakma, 45.
Reports from Bangladesh said the trio was heading to a banana plantation when the incident occurred. One of them reportedly stepped on a landmine and was injured, and the other two attempted to rescue him, triggering two additional explosions that killed all three.
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) inspected the scene and confirmed to the New Age news outlet that all three civilians were already dead before authorities arrived.
Local residents said the area where the incident occurred has seen frequent activity by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a Muslim armed group.
Caption: The bodies of the three ethnic Chakma men killed in the landmine explosions. Photo: Hill Voice
