RAB arrested five militants while exchanging fire with hill terrorist group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) and militants in the area adjacent to the new bridge in Remakri of Thanchi in Bandarban.
Eight RAB officials sustained injuries during the time.
Director General (DG) of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) M Khurshid Hossain revealed the information in a press conference on Tuesday.
He said: “Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) and militants fired at RAB members while they were conducting raid at Thanchi's Remakri area in the morning. At that time, RAB fired back in self-defence, and firing started on both sides.”
He also said that 43 members of the militant organization and 14 members of the KNF organization have been arrested so far in the RAB operation. The campaign is ongoing.
The DG said that Jama'atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya has been organized by various militant organizations including Ansar-ul-Islam. They took refuge in the mountains as this was where the law enforcement forces did not tread. However, at that time, officers of RAB were present.
According to RAB sources, recently 55 youths of 19 districts left their homes influenced by extremism in the name of new so-called Hijrat, got involved in militancy, and took shelter in hilly areas as part of Jama'atul Ansar. There, KNF members provided the youths with trainings to use weapons.
On information, RAB and army started operations to eliminate militants and terrorism from October 17, 2022.