20–25 held in joint forces’ drive at Jungle Salimpur after RAB camp attack

Joint forces detained at least 20–25 people during a drive following an attack on a RAB camp by an armed criminal group in Jungle Salimpur of Sitakunda upazila in Chattogram.

“Around 20–25 individuals were detained for questioning. During interrogation, if anyone is found involved in the attack, legal action will be taken. Those not involved will be released on bond,” Lieutenant Colonel Hafizur Rahman, commander of RAB-7, told reporters at a media briefing on Monday, UNB reports.

He said no fatalities were reported during the exchange of gunfire between members of the joint forces and the armed group, although some personnel sustained minor injuries.

The RAB commander said Yasin and members of his armed group, comprising around 200–250 people operating in Jungle Salimpur, were involved in the attack.

He also claimed that the group vandalised nearly 70 per cent of an under-construction joint forces camp in Alinagar that was close to completion.

He added that communication difficulties hampered the operation.

“The situation is now under control,” he said.

Replying to a question on the law and order situation, Hafizur Rahman said RAB-7 members had arrested 366 accused in murder cases over the past 15 months.

He also said all accused in rape cases in the region had been arrested either by RAB or the police.

“We are doing our best from our end to maintain overall law and order,” he added.

Earlier, on January 19, RAB Deputy Assistant Director Motaleb Hossain was killed in an attack by criminals in the remote jungle area of Salimpur.

For more than two decades, Jungle Salimpur has served as a stronghold for criminal groups.

Previous attempts to clear the area in 2017 and 2022 failed due to local resistance and other obstacles.