Bangladesh boosts troops on eastern border with Myanmar over separatist attack

Bangladesh is boosting its troop presence along part of its border with Myanmar after members of a separatist group attacked a border security post on Wednesday morning, injuring one paramilitary soldier.

Sources said Myanmar separatists "Arakan Army" attacked the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) post at around 9:30 a.m. local time at an area near the international border in southeastern hill district Bandarban, some 316 km southeast of capital Dhaka.

BGB Director General Major General Aziz Ahmed told local media that Bangladesh forces "repelled an attack carried out by members of Myanmar separatists" on Wednesday morning.

He said BGB troops exchanged fire with the separatist outfit of Myanmar for hours.

According to the sources, additional troops of Bangladesh Army and BGB have been flown into area following the Arakan Army's first ever attack on BGG troops to conduct a coordinated operation against the separatist group.

Ahmed said BGB soldier Zakir who was injured in the shooting has been rushed to a military hospital in Chittagong, some 242 southeast of capital Dhaka.

Sources said Myanmar separatists have launched the attack as the BGB detained their 13 horses which were used to transports goods meant for terrorists.

Source: XINHUA