RAB arrested four people including Arsa's top commander Rahimullah alias Mucha in a raid in Ukhia, Cox's Bazar.
Meanwhile, 43 kg 310 grams of explosives, 1 foreign pistol with magazine, 2 domestic guns and 7 bullets were recovered during the drive.
The operation was carried out in the Telkhola-Baritli hilly area of Palangkhali Union of Ukhia Upazila at midnight on Tuesday. In a press conference organized at RAB-15 Cox's Bazar Battalion office on Wednesday afternoon, Director of Law and Media Branch of the Headquarters Lt. Col. Khandaker Al Moin gave this information.
He said, on the basis of RAB intelligence information, Telkhola-Baritli Gohin hilly area of Palongkhali Union of Ukhia on Tuesday midnight.
Meanwhile, 36 kg 780 grams of explosives, local and foreign firearms and bullets were recovered from the shelter of the detainees. Explosives recovered include chemicals such as chlorates, bromates, potassium and hexamethylene tetramine. There are examples of these chemicals being used as gun powder or high explosives.
Lieutenant Colonel Khandaker Al Moin said that Rahimullah alias Mucha and Shamshul Alam alias Shamsu are Arsa's top leaders and two other Bangladeshi citizens and associates of Arsa's terrorist group are among those detained. The arrested Arsa terrorists used to commit various crimes including murder, kidnapping, robbery, drugs, extortion, domination in Balukhali Rohingya camp and surrounding areas.
They used to smuggle arms and explosives through the remote border areas of neighboring Myanmar. Besides, the arrested Bangladeshi nationals Shafiq and Siraj used to bring the rescued through the border area and keep them in their custody and later supply them to Arsa terrorists at convenient time.
Explosives found in the operation were stockpiled for use in attacks, arson and conflicts in Rohingya camps to dominate Rohingya camps, the arrestees said in their confessions.
In the press conference, Khandaker Al Moin said that the arrestee Rahimullah aka Moosha was given the responsibility of Arsa's gun commander and Ghonarpara No. 18 Rohingya camp commander due to his expertise in making bombs and handling weapons. He also trained Arsa members in bomb making and weapon handling. Top leaders including Arsa chief Abu Amma Junani are in close contact with Rahimullah.
He has direct involvement in almost all of the reported killings in Rohingya camps, including the killing of a senior intelligence officer in a terrorist attack during a joint anti-narcotics operation on the border in November last year. In addition, the arrestees are accused of being involved in various conflicts and conflicts in Rohingya camps. There are multiple cases against them in Ukhia and Teknaf police stations on these charges.