The arrested individuals are believed to be associated with a recently identified extremist group called ‘Imam Mahmud’s Caravan’
In a significant breakthrough against terrorism, the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) carried out a successful raid on a suspected militant hideout in the hilly area of Kulaura Upazila in Moulvibazar. Ten individuals were arrested during the operation, which yielded the discovery of explosives and jihadi literature.
The CTTC operation, codenamed ‘Operation Hill Side’, was launched yesterday, culminating in a predawn raid today in the East Tatriuli village of Karmadha union within Kulaura upazila. At a press briefing held at a quarter past 11 o’clock, the head of CTTC, Asaduzzaman, revealed that among the ten apprehended, four were men and six were women. Shockingly, three children were also found in their company.
Asaduzzaman announced that the arrested individuals are believed to be associated with a recently identified extremist group called ‘Imam Mahmud’s Caravan’. The raid not only led to the apprehension of these suspected militants but also uncovered a cache of explosives and extremist literature at the site.
‘Operation Hitback’ On March 30, 2017
This operation carries echoes of a past tragedy in the region. On March 30, 2017, a militant hideout in Moulvibazar’s Fatehpur area was the scene of a deadly explosion, claiming the lives of 7 to 8 militants. Monirul Islam, the then head of the counter-terrorism unit, recounted the incident in the press briefing. He noted that the militants had chosen to detonate themselves in a desperate act when they realized escape was impossible. The ensuing suicide blast left the building in a state of devastation, with body parts scattered across two rooms. The incident was part of ‘Operation Hitback’, aimed at eliminating threats posed by such hideouts.
Monirul Islam expressed certainty that the deceased militants were members of the notorious group Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). He shared preliminary information, revealing that they belonged to the same family, although further investigations by the police crime scene and CID officers are ongoing to confirm their identities.
Meanwhile, law enforcement continues to encircle another suspected militant hideout in Barahat within Moulvibazar’s municipal area. Monirul Islam confirmed that a similar operation will soon be launched to secure that location as well.
The successful operation in Kulaura is indicative of the law enforcement agencies’ continued efforts to root out extremism and safeguard public safety. The raid and subsequent arrests send a strong message that terrorism will not be tolerated, and the authorities remain committed to upholding peace and security within the country.
