A joint operation is underway against terrorists at Jungle Salimpur in Sitakunda, an area notorious for criminal activities in Chattogram.

Around 4,000 personnel from army, police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) started the operation around 5 am.

Vehicles of the army, police water cannons and various firearms are being used in the operation.

Chattogram District Police Additional Superintendent (Media) Md. Russel said the joint forces have surrounded Jungle Salimpur and are conducting searches inside for weapons and drugs.

 “Several terrorists are reported to have been detained by afternoon though police have not yet confirmed specific details,” he added.

Law enforcement personnel have divided into multiple teams to cover different entry and exit points of the jungle, he said.

The joint force includes 550 army members, 1,800 police personnel, 330 Armed Police Battalion (APBn), 400 RAB, 120 BGB, 15 APC, three dog squads, and three helicopters.

Search posts have been set up at the entrances and exits.

The operation follows a deadly attack on January 19 when RAB-7’s Deputy Assistant Motaleb Hossain Bhuiyan was killed by terrorists while attempting to arrest suspects in Jungal Salimpur.

Mohammad Yasin was named the prime accused in the RAB case filed at Sitakunda police station along with 200 others.

A coordinated operation was subsequently planned.

For over two decades, Jungal Salimpur has served as a stronghold for criminals.

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

This time, based on intelligence reports, the joint forces are conducting a coordinated operation to enforce zero tolerance against terrorism.