Army Raids KNA Hideout in Remote Bandarban Highlands

In a decisive midnight strike, the Bangladesh Army dismantled a strategic encampment belonging to the Kuki-Chin National Army (KNA), an ethnic insurgent group, in the rugged terrain of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Acting on precise intelligence, security forces launched the raid at approximately 1:00 am on Thursday, 12 February, within the Ruma Upazila of Bandarban.

Tactical Operation in Pratap Para

The operation was spearheaded by the Ruma Zone command, targeting a suspected temporary hideout in the Pratap Para area. According to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a special task force successfully infiltrated the dense forest to surround the militant base.

While the insurgents—estimated to be a squad of 10 to 15 armed personnel—managed to evade capture by fleeing into the labyrinthine wilderness upon detecting the army’s approach, the raid yielded a significant haul of logistical supplies and weaponry. Military sources suggest the group had been using the location as a transit point for several days, likely planning to disrupt regional stability during the ongoing national electoral window.

Seizures from the KNA Encampment

Securing the Frontiers

The KNA, often referred to as the “Kuki-Chin National Front” (KNF) in political contexts, has been a source of escalating concern for national security due to its activities in the border regions. The Bangladesh Army has reaffirmed its commitment to a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding armed groups attempting to establish permanent bases or disrupt the peace of the Hill Tracts.

“Continuous patrols and special operations are being maintained to prevent armed factions from moving freely or erecting fortifications in the highlands,” an army spokesperson confirmed. The military also noted that the local indigenous and settler communities have been increasingly cooperative, providing vital information to help maintain public safety and regional sovereignty.

As the nation navigates a critical political transition, the security apparatus remains on high alert across the Chittagong Hill Tracts to ensure that no extremist elements can exploit the focus on the general elections to gain a territorial foothold.