A large-scale operation involving three helicopters and 3,183 members of joint forces was conducted in the Jungle Salimpur area of Sitakunda in Chittagong to apprehend armed criminals.
During the raid, authorities recovered various weapons, explosives, and other equipment, and arrested 12 suspects.
In addition, two temporary police camps have been established in the area, while a camp of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) will also be set up there to maintain security.
Additional Superintendent of Police (DB and Industrial Zone) of Chittagong district Md Russell confirmed the matter through a press release on Monday
The operation began at around 6:00 am in the Jungle Salimpur area under Sitakunda Model Police Station.
Obstacles during the operation
According to law enforcement officials, the joint forces encountered several obstacles when they initially entered the area. Large trucks had been placed on roads at different points, some culverts had been demolished, and slabs covering drainage canals had been removed to block access routes.
Officials believe that some criminals in Jungle Salimpur received advance information about the operation. As a result, they allegedly set up the barricades overnight to prevent law enforcement vehicles from entering the area.
Background of the operation
Law enforcement agencies said the special operation was launched in response to longstanding criminal activities in Jungle Salimpur. These reportedly include terrorist operations, illegal stockpiling of arms, hill cutting, selling plots of land illegally, providing shelter to criminals, and a general deterioration of law and order in the area.
Over 3,000 personnel deployed
According to Chittagong District Police, a total of 3,183 members of various law enforcement and security agencies participated in the operation. The personnel included: 487 members of the Bangladesh Army, 146 members of Chattogram District Police, 800 members of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP), 400 members of the Rapid Response Force (RRF), Chittagong, 100 members from Feni District Police, 300 members from Hill District Police, 330 members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), 122 members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), 371 members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
In addition, seven executive magistrates were present to oversee the operation.
Authorities said the drive was conducted to restore law and order and dismantle criminal networks operating in the Jungle Salimpur area.
Three helicopters and 12 drones were seen flying in the sky
The operation was carried out in the Jangal Salimpur area with the support of three helicopters, 15 Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), three dog squads from the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP), as well as 12 drones to ensure the effectiveness of the mission.
The operation was led by Chittagong Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Md. Ahsan Habib Palash. Additional DIG Md. Nazimul Haque and Chittagong District Superintendent of Police Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan were present on site to supervise the drive.
During the operation, members of the joint forces took positions simultaneously at various hilly and remote locations across Jangal Salimpur. Law enforcement personnel conducted searches at suspected hideouts, risky settlements, hill tracks, secret structures and other locations where criminals were believed to be hiding.
12 individuals were detained
Law enforcement officials also recovered a number of weapons and equipment, including two firearms—one pistol and one LG—four rounds of ammunition, 11 crude explosives (cocktails), 17 locally made weapons, 19 CCTV cameras, two DVRs, one power box and two binoculars.
According to the Additional Superintendent of Police in Chittagong, these items were being used by criminal groups for terrorist activities, surveillance in the area and to monitor the movements of law enforcement agencies.
No casualties were reported during the operation, and authorities said the situation remains under control.
Following the drive, and with approval from higher authorities, two temporary police camps have been established in the Jangal Salimpur Chinnomul and Alinagar areas to maintain law and order and prevent criminals from regrouping.
