Cox’s Bazar, Aug 28 (V7N) — A three-way clash involving armed groups in a Rohingya refugee camp in Ukhiya , Cox’s Bazar, left two members of the same family, including a mother and her son, wounded by gunfire on Thursday.

The gunfight began at around 5:30pm in the B-40 and B-41 block areas of Camp 8 East and continued intermittently until around 10pm, according to eyewitnesses and local sources.

Sources said members of three armed Rohingya groups — the Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA), the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) — were involved in the clash.

The sound of more than a hundred rounds of gunfire reportedly spread panic throughout the densely populated area. Local residents estimated that between 120 and 200 rounds may have been fired, although the exact number could only be confirmed after investigation.

The injured were identified as Tahera Begum, wife of Nur Alam, and their son Mohammad Yousuf, residents of Block B-41 of Camp 8 East.

They were rescued and initially taken to the MSF hospital in Kutupalong. As their condition deteriorated, doctors referred them to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for further treatment.

The prolonged gunfire in the densely populated camp triggered widespread fear and insecurity among Rohingya refugees. Residents said many people were unable to leave their shelters and normal movement in the area was disrupted.

Mohammad Riaz Uddin Ahmed, acting commander of Armed Police Battalion-8 (APBn), which is responsible for maintaining security in the Rohingya camps, confirmed the incident.

“Gunfire broke out between armed groups in the B-40 and B-41 block areas of Camp 8 East. After receiving the information, law enforcement personnel were promptly sent to the scene. The situation is currently under control,” he said.

Regarding the injured, he said, “Two members of the same family were wounded by gunfire. They were initially taken to the MSF hospital in Kutupalong. As their condition deteriorated, doctors referred them to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital.”

Riaz Uddin Ahmed added that necessary measures were being taken to gather detailed information about the incident and identify those involved.

“Law enforcement personnel are working to keep the situation fully under control,” he said.

The exact cause of the clash, the identities of those involved and the precise number of rounds fired will be established after investigation, according to the relevant authorities.

END/MSI/SMA/