Staff Reporter :
In a significant operation, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has apprehended five members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), including its top leader, from a Rohingya camp in Ukhiya Upazila of Cox’s Bazar.
The raid, conducted early Monday morning at Rohingya Camp-4, resulted in the seizure of a cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
The ARSA top commander, Shahidul Islam alias Moulovi Oli Akij, captured in the operation, is implicated in several criminal activities, including the murder of Rohingya leader Master Mohammad Mohib Ullah.
Additionally, Akij is a prime suspect in the notorious seven murders within the camp and faces charges in over 21 cases, ranging from murder to abduction and weapons offenses.
Captain Lt Col HM Sajjad Hossain, addressing the media during a press briefing at the RAB-15 Cox’s Bazar office, confirmed the successful operation. He stated that acting on intelligence, a team of elite RAB forces raided camp No.4 on Sunday night.
Upon encountering resistance from ARSA militants, a firefight ensued, leading to the arrest of the five individuals, including ARSA’s top leader, Akij.
The RAB team recovered several arms, ammunition, and explosives from the possession of the detained individuals, underscoring the gravity of the threat posed by militant groups operating within Rohingya camps.