Army, BGB launch joint operation in Bandarban after firing by 'Arakan Army'

The army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have launched a joint operation along the border with Myanmar at Thanchi Upazila in Bandarban after a gunbattle between a ‘separatist outfit’ and the border guards.

Two teams of the army and another of the BGB were flown in to Barha Modak area after the incident on Wednesday morning.

An F-7 of the Bangladesh Air Force joined the operation later.

A BGB media statement said the separatists moved back after the joint raid in the afternoon.

“The members of the separatist group left the area after the operation. The BGB squad, which came under the attack, returned to the camp safely when the rebels retreated in the afternoon,” it said.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told bdnews24.com that the joint operation would continue to neutralise the separatist 'Arakan Army'.

He is scheduled to visit Bandarban on Thursday morning.

BGB Nayek Md Zakir, who received bullet injuries in his hand in the firing, was airlifted to Combined Military Hospital in Chittagong by a helicopter, BGB Director General Maj Gen Aziz Ahmed told bdnews24.com.

The BGB has asked the Myanmar army and border force to seal their border. The Bangladesh side of the border has also been cordoned off.

"The situation in the area is normal now. The combing operation to capture the separatists is on. Myanmar authorities are also firm on the issue," Gen Ahmed said.

Thanchi’s Remacri Union Council Chairman Maliram Tripura said the shootout with Myanmar separatists ‘Arakan Army’ took place near the BGB camp in Barha Modak area.

The BGB said a patrol of the force retaliated when the separatists fired on them.

Locals said the BGB detained 10 horses on Tuesday, which were used to transport goods meant for the Arakan rebels.

The BGB director general suspects the shooting was a result of the detention of the horses.

The army’s Bandarban Region Commander Brig Gen Nakib Ahmed Chowdhury, however, refused to provide any further details.