Operation Twilight
There is a
strong possibility that all evidence carefully collected and preserved from the militants den may deliver more clues
Four alleged militants including a woman were killed as army commandos conducted Operation Twilight inside Atia Mahal at Shibbari in Sylhet. Given the prolonged time length of the operation, it is easily understandable that the militants have strength, weaponry and training. Atia Mahal was under full control of army commandos from the beginning.
However, armys special battalion team deserves plaudits for evacuating all the 78 innocent inhabitants residing in Atia Mahals several apartments. Once again the resurgence of militancy in this conservative Muslim town with its rich Islamic heritage has brought with it all the fear and trepidation felt in 2006.
Among the four dead, two bodies were already handed over to the police while the other two had suicide vests worn before they were gunned down. Law enforcers should try to find out possible links from the identity and DNA tests. There is a strong possibility that all evidence carefully collected and preserved from the militants den may deliver more clues for locating potential hideouts scattered around the country. More to it, the intelligence network must also trace the supplier of arms to the militants.
Captured belongings of the militants like mobile phones, ATM cards and other equipments, all should lead to identify the operable militant chain of command within the country. We, however, by now know how suspicious NID cards had led the cops to spot the militant hideout there. Furthermore, the operation must not only end here, and in fact, the gathered experience should aid in carrying out similar operations countrywide.
Nevertheless, following a sequence of operations at least one fact has got clearer: with each passing day the militants in Bangladesh have become more organised and well-trained. Referring to this crucial point, the Army and the governments intelligence wings must together quickly find out the source from where they obtained the trainings.
Concerning the success of the operation, had it not been for our well-trained military commandos, success wouldnt have been achieved. Additionally, the operation should only stop with the vicinity being completely free of all danger and with remaining militants disarmed and arrested.
Operation Twilight is also a sheer mark of Bangladeshs sincere commitments about its pro-active combat against organised militancy.
