Bangladesh, July 8, 2023: In a tragic incident at the border of camp 8E and 7, a violent clash erupted between two Rohingya armed groups, the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and a joint group comprising the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) and the Nobi Husson Group. The confrontation, which occurred at dawn on July 7, resulted in seven fatalities and left one individual critically injured from the side of ARSA.
The confrontation unfolded when members of ARSA residing in camp 7 were reportedly making their way towards camp 8E across the camp border. Simultaneously, members of the RSO and Nobi Husson Group residing in camp 8E were advancing in their direction. The two groups unexpectedly encountered each other at the border and engaged in a fierce battle, culminating in the tragic loss of life and injuries mentioned earlier.
Eyewitnesses residing in camp 8E have assumed that there might be additional casualties from the ARSA side, possibly including arrests of some members. Conversely, another resident in the area has claimed that the RSO experienced numerous casualties during the clash, although no official confirmation regarding their losses has been announced as of yet.
In response to the incident, camp security forces have promptly deployed personnel to the site of the occurrence, assuming a protective stance and closely monitoring the situation. The residence where the clash took place has been secured, and its current condition is reported as stable. Nevertheless, anxiety pervades the refugee community as they fear the potential for further violence in the area.
In light of the escalating tensions and concerns for the safety of those residing in the camps, the affected refugees are appealing to the concerned authorities to undertake a clearance operation aimed at ensuring their protection. The plea emphasises the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action to prevent any further tragic incidents.
The Rohingya refugee camps have long been subjected to challenging circumstances, and this recent clash serves as a reminder of the delicate security situation within the camps. Efforts must be made to address the underlying issues, promote peaceful coexistence, and provide adequate protection to all residents to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.