Operation Maximus on amid gunshots, blasts; cop hurt

A policeman was injured as the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)  are carrying out drive at a ‘militant den’ at Borohat in Sadar upazila amid sporadic gunshots and explosions on Friday.

Witnesses said sounds of sporadic gunshots were heard from the scene around 12:40pm while sounds of two explosions were heard around 12:50pm.

Shah Jalal, superintendent of Moulvibazar police, said ‘A member of Moulvibazar police was injured in an explosion during the action.’

The injured policeman was taken to a local hospital by an ambulance, he said.

Earlier in the day, CTTC and SWAT members started an operation codenamed ‘Operation Maximus’ around 9:53am at the suspected militant den.

While briefing CTTC unit chief and also DMP additional commissioner Monirul Islam said,’ Operation Maximus is a difficult one as there are several rooms in the building and huge explosives lying scattered. We have been suspecting presence of an explosive expert of the militant group in the building. However, we couldn’t yet ascertain the number of militants in the house.’

However, sound of explosion was heard in the morning, he said.

The law enforcers have kept the den cordoned off since early Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the local administration has banned public gathering in Borohat area from 9:00am on Friday to avoid any kind of casualties.

The announcement was made by the police through a loudspeaker in the morning and the order will be remain in force until further notice, said a member of CTTC unit.

Source: NTV