Tension rose along Bangladesh’s southern waters after the Arakan Army reportedly abducted 40 fishermen along with five fishing trawlers near Saint Martin’s Island.

The identities and nationalities of the abducted fishermen—whether Bangladeshi or Rohingya—could not be confirmed.

According to reports from local media in Rakhine State, the Arakan Army claimed the operation was aimed at curbing illegal fishing in their maritime territory, despite repeated efforts by Bangladesh’s border security forces to prevent such activities.

The abducted fishermen were reportedly handed over to relevant authorities under the Arakan Army’s coast guard laws.