In the ongoing conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine State, the Arakan Army (AA), an armed rebel group, has declared that it now controls Mongdu city. As a result, the entire 270 kilometers of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border has fallen under the control of the Arakan Army. Following the capture, the group has imposed an indefinite ban on all maritime traffic in the Naf River’s Arakan territorial waters.

After months of intense fighting with Myanmar's military junta, the Arakan Army announced its control of Mongdu on December 8. According to a report by Myanmar’s Irrawaddy media on December 9, the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have increased their patrols along the border areas of Bangladesh.

Teknaf's Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Sheikh Ehsan Uddin, confirmed that announcements have been made advising fishermen and other vessels to avoid the area. He added, "We have learned that the Arakan Army has fully taken over the area across from Teknaf. Since Sunday, they have banned all vessels from the Naf River's maritime zone. We have informed the fishing trawler owners and issued warnings to ensure they do not venture into the river due to the high risk."

According to reports, the Arakan Army claimed that, on December 8, they attacked Myanmar’s Border Guard Police Battalion No. 5, the junta's most formidable military unit stationed near the border. The Arakan Army stated that they were fighting not only the junta forces but also their allies, including the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO). The Arakan Army reported forcing these groups to retreat.

Residents in the Teknaf border area have reported a marked increase in the intensity of the fighting in Mongdu, with the sounds of artillery shells causing alarm among the population. Although the Arakan Army had already taken control of much of Rakhine, parts of Mongdu were previously held by the junta, and this resulted in prolonged conflict. Recent reports indicate that the Arakan Army has now fully captured the city.

Lieutenant Commander Soaib Bikas of the Bangladesh Coast Guard’s Chittagong media office confirmed the ongoing ban on vessels in the Naf River. He assured, "We will not allow anyone to enter Bangladesh’s waters. Our patrols have been intensified from Jaliar Island to Saint Martin’s Island, covering the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal. Fishermen have been instructed to stay away from these areas."

Major Syed Ishtiak Murshed, the Acting Commander of Teknaf-2 BGB, also confirmed the heightened border security in response to the escalation in Rakhine. "BGB forces are on high alert to prevent any possible Rohingya influx and to ensure the security of the Naf River and the land border," he added.

Following the battle for Mongdu, Myanmar’s media reported that on December 9, the Arakan Army captured Brigadier General Thuraing Tun, the Commander of Military Operations Command 15, along with 80 Rohingya militants and junta soldiers.

The Arakan Army began its campaign in Mongdu in late May, and after six months of fighting, they managed to seize the city. They claim to have also captured key areas along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, including Mongdu, Buthidaung, and Shin.