Bandarban, Nov 14 (V7N) - In a significant operation, the Bangladesh Army seized a large cache of weapons and ammunition from a Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) hideout in Munlai Para, a remote area of Ruma upazila in Bandarban, on Thursday.

The raid, prompted by intelligence reports, caused KNF members to flee the site, abandoning their weapons and equipment, according to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Recovered items included an SMG with a magazine, two shotguns with 159 cartridges, a fully loaded cartridge belt, walkie-talkies, a binocular, three KNF uniforms, boots, handcuffs, IED splinters, and five smartphones.

The KNF, an armed group active in the hill districts, has been under heightened security scrutiny since October 2022, following increased militant activities in the area.

This raid follows a series of incidents in April, when KNF members were linked to robberies at Sonali and Krishi Banks in Ruma and Thanchi upazilas. In those incidents, the group reportedly looted 14 weapons from police and Ansar personnel, abducted bank manager Nejam Uddin, and stole funds. As a result, 22 cases were filed across multiple police stations: 14 in Ruma, four in Thanchi, three in Rowangchhari, and one in Bandarban Sadar.

So far, joint operations have led to the arrest of 120 KNF members and associates and the recovery of 14 bodies of KNF operatives.

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