RAB’s counterterrorism drive in securing Rohingya camps

In a latest violent incident in Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhiya upazila, one individual was killed throughout a shootout between the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Military (ARSA) and the Arakan Solidarity Group (RSO). This lethal confrontation over management of a Rohingya camp occurred at midnight within the sand area space of Hakimpara 14 camp of Palangkhali Union. The deceased, recognized as Salim, a 30-year-old resident of E-3 block of the camp and son of Maqbool, was killed through the conflict. Two others, Md. Alam and Arif Ullah, had been injured within the incident. Each had been evening watchmen on the Rohingya camp.

Further Deputy Inspector Common (ADIG) of the eighth Armed Police Battalion, Amir Zafar, said that the police had been alerted to the firing between ARSA and RSO, each Myanmar-based armed teams. Upon arriving on the scene, the terrorists fled, abandoning one lifeless and two injured. The injured had been taken to the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital close to the Kutupalong Rohingya camp for therapy. The physique of the deceased was despatched to Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital morgue for an post-mortem, in keeping with Shamim Hossain, the Officer-in-Cost (OC) of Ukhiya Police Station.

In a associated growth, a big arrest was made by the Fast Motion Battalion (RAB). Zakaria, a commander of ARSA, was apprehended on the Ukhiya Balukhali No. 10 Rohingya Camp on the evening of June 13. Throughout a press briefing on the RAB workplace in Cox’s Bazar, RAB-15 Commanding Officer (CO) Colonel HM Sajjad Hossain offered particulars of the arrest. Appearing on intelligence reviews, RAB carried out a raid and arrested Zakaria, who was discovered with a G-3 rifle and 5 rounds of dwell ammunition utilized by the Myanmar navy and legislation enforcement.

Zakaria, throughout preliminary interrogation, confessed to being a Myanmar citizen and a commander in ARSA’s gun group. He admitted to taking part in killings throughout the Rohingya camps. His confession led to the restoration of the G-3 rifle and dwell ammunition. The continuing intelligence operations across the Rohingya camps in Teknaf and Cox’s Bazar purpose to observe and counter ARSA and different terrorist teams’ actions.

RAB’s authorized and media wing director, Commander Arafat Islam, described ARSA as a logo of terror throughout the Rohingya camps, concerned in quite a few crimes corresponding to kidnapping, theft, and homicide. Over time, 110 ARSA members have been arrested, and important quantities of explosives and weapons have been seized. RAB’s persistent operations have disrupted ARSA’s management and actions. Nonetheless, there’s ongoing concern about weapons and explosives coming into Bangladesh on account of regional instability.

In February of this yr, RAB-15 made one other notable arrest, capturing three high-ranking ARSA members, together with the group’s second-in-command and the ARSA chief’s bodyguard. The operation, carried out on the Extension No. 20 Rohingya camp in Ukhiya, resulted within the seizure of two international weapons, a home weapon, and 4 rounds of ammunition.

RAB-15 Commanding Officer (CO) Lt. Colonel HM Sajjad Hossain highlighted that previously yr, RAB-15 arrested 101 high ARSA terrorists. They confiscated seven international pistols, 52 indigenous weapons, 140 rounds of bullets/cartridges, 67 rounds of empty shells, 50.21 kg of explosives, 28 items of cocktails, and 4 IEDs. The strict measures and vigilant operations by RAB have been essential in controlling terrorist actions within the area, particularly within the mountainous areas the place such actions have been rising alarmingly.

The position of RAB in combating terrorism in Bangladesh, significantly in controlling the actions of ARSA and RSO throughout the Rohingya camps, has been commendable. Regardless of dealing with opposition and sanctions from worldwide our bodies, RAB has continued its mission to keep up peace and order. The imposition of sanctions by the US Treasury Division in 2021, influenced by steady anti-RAB propaganda, has not deterred their efforts. RAB stays devoted to its obligation, demonstrating resilience and dedication within the face of adversity.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s choice to shelter 1.2 million Rohingya refugees expelled from Myanmar in 2017 was a big humanitarian gesture. RAB’s position in guaranteeing safety inside these refugee camps, amidst the presence of prison parts like ARSA and RSO, has been very important. Given their contributions, there’s a rising name for the US administration to raise the sanctions towards RAB, permitting them to proceed their important work with out hindrance.

In abstract, the efforts by RAB and different legislation enforcement companies in Bangladesh are essential in combating terrorism and sustaining stability within the area, particularly throughout the Rohingya camps. Their actions have been instrumental in curbing the affect and operations of terrorist teams, guaranteeing security and safety for the displaced Rohingya inhabitants.

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