Arakan Army abducts 13 fishermen, three trawlers in Teknaf

News Desk

Members of Myanmar’s armed rebel group, the Arakan Army (AA), have once again seized 13 fishermen along with three fishing trawlers from the mouth of the Naf River in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning as the fishermen were returning to Teknaf after fishing at sea, near Naikhyangdia on Shahporir Island. The trawler owners are Kalu alias Mola Halu, Mustafiz, and Mir Kasim, all residents of Shahporir Island, Teknaf.

The abducted fishermen include Mostafizur Rahman, Farid Hossain, Robiul Hasan, Kalam, Md Hossain Ahmad, Mir Kasem Ali, Gias Uddin, Salauddin, Mohiuddin, Molla Kalu Mia, Abu Taher, Abdul Khalek, and Jaber Mia. All are reportedly from different villages of Shahporir Island under Sabrang Union, Teknaf.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Imamul Hafiz Nadim said authorities have learned of the abduction and are investigating how it happened. Efforts are underway to coordinate with border law enforcement to secure the fishermen’s return.

Local resident Ibn Amin said: “Today, the Arakan Army has again taken 13 crew members from three boats, creating fear among the fishermen. Some of our family members are among those taken, and families are terrified.”

Confirming the incident, Shahporir Island Union Parishad member Abdus Salam said the news of 13 fishermen being taken has spread panic among the local fishing communities and that the matter has been reported to authorities.

According to locals, the Arakan Army has abducted at least 500 fishermen over the past two years. Of these, around 300 have been released. The most recent return was of 73 fishermen on February 16, while approximately 200 remain in the custody of the Arakan Army.

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