The joint security forces launched a large-scale crackdown on early Monday in the hilly Jungle Salimpur area of Sitakunda in Chattogram, a region long known as a stronghold of rival armed groups.
The operation, involving police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the army and other law enforcement agencies, began around 5 am with personnel deployed across multiple zones of the district. Officials said nearly 2,000 members of the security forces are taking part in the drive in Jungle Salimpur alone.
The area, described by authorities as a haven for criminal networks, has been under the control of two rival factions known as the Yasin and Rokon groups since the fall of the previous Awami League government. The groups are accused of fighting for territorial dominance, control of local trade and occupation of hill land, leading to a string of deadly clashes.
Operation targets armed gangs and illegal weapons
Law enforcement officials said the crackdown aims to suppress armed criminal activity and recover illegal weapons. Based on intelligence reports, the drive was planned to prevent suspects from fleeing. Checkpoints were set up in advance at potential escape routes.
Teams were divided into smaller units to navigate the rugged terrain. One group searched settlements at the foot of the hills, while others advanced along narrow hilly paths. Officers noted that the area’s complex geography — dense vegetation, scattered and abandoned structures — makes operations particularly challenging, as suspects can easily move between hiding spots.
District Police Public Relations Officer Md Russell said, “A joint operation is underway across the district to apprehend terrorists and recover illegal arms. Operations in Jungle Salimpur will continue depending on the situation.”
Rising violence over 20-month
Over the past 20 months, at least six people have been killed in Jungle Salimpur in clashes linked to territorial disputes between the Yasin and Rokon factions, according to local sources. Several murder cases have been filed against members of the groups.
Security scrutiny intensified after a deadly attack on January 19 this year, when RAB-7 personnel were assaulted during a drive in the area. Deputy Assistant Director Motaleb Hossain Bhuiyan was beaten to death in the incident. RAB filed a case naming Yasin as the prime accused, and 15 suspects have since been arrested. Yasin, however, claimed in a video message that the rival Rokon group was responsible.
Following that killing, intelligence agencies increased surveillance in the remote area after reports that several suspects had gone into hiding there.
Recent killings linked to turf wars
Violence in the area has continued into 2024 and 2025. On October 4, 2024, clashes between the Rokon and Yasin groups over control of Jungle Salimpur and Alinagar hills left two men dead. On January 2, 2025, local labor leader Mir Arman was abducted and killed, with his family alleging the killing was linked to business control disputes. On February 9, 2025, BNP leader Mohammad Masud was killed; he was involved in the brick, sand and concrete business in the area.
Officials said suspected hideouts are being searched and nearby settlements verified. Authorities indicated that a detailed briefing will be provided after the crackdown concludes.
