Bangladesh Army Kills Two Kuki-Chin Militants in Bandarban Raid

The Bangladesh Army conducted a raid in the Baklai Para area of Ruma upazila in Bandarban on Sunday, killing two armed terrorists of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF). The army recovered three firearms, a large amount of ammunition, and other equipment during the operation. The identities of the KNF members could not be confirmed yet.

This follows a previous raid on April 22, where one KNF terrorist was killed in the Munlai Para area of Ruma upazila, and the army recovered arms, ammunition, and other equipment. The operations are part of the army's ongoing efforts to address recent KNF-linked bank robberies in the Ruma and Thanchi areas.

On April 2, the KNF attempted to rob Tk1.5 crore from a Sonali Bank branch in Ruma. The following day, they carried out robberies at Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank branches in Thanchi upazila. So far, eight cases have been filed with the local police stations in connection with these incidents.

Why this matters: The Bangladeshi army and security forces are launching a joint operation against the armed hill group Kuki Chin National Front (KNF) in Bandarban district following a series of bank robberies, kidnappings, and attacks on security checkposts. The government has taken a strict stance against the terrorist activities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with the Home Minister set to visit Bandarban to inspect the situation.

The joint operation led by the army, involving the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), has resulted in the arrest of a significant number of KNF members, including its chief coordinator Cheusim Bawm, since it began on April 7. On Tuesday, the army arrested nine more KNF operatives with nine arms in a remote hilly area under Ruma upazila.

The situation remains tense in Thanchi and Ruma, with shops and markets closed and people, especially women and children, leaving the area. Security has been tightened in Khagrachhari and Bandarban districts, with increased police presence at banks. The operation will continue until the KNF is eliminated from the district, according to officials. "The KNF is believed to have carried out the attacks to loot money and weapons, and to demonstrate their power," a security official stated.

Key Takeaways

• Bangladesh Army raided Baklai Para, killing 2 KNF terrorists, seizing arms and ammunition.
• Previous raid in Munlai Para killed 1 KNF terrorist, recovering arms and equipment.
• KNF attempted bank robberies in Ruma and Thanchi, prompting joint security operation.
• Operation led to arrest of significant number of KNF members, including chief coordinator.
• Situation remains tense, with shops closed and security heightened in Bandarban district.