30 Apr 2019 | 07:53 AM UTC
Bangladesh: Suspected militants targeted in Dhaka raid April 29
Explosion kills two people during security operation targeting suspected militants in Dhaka on April 29; further anti-terrorist raids likely in the near term
Event
Gunfire broke out in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka on Monday, April 29, during a security operation targeting suspected militants. Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were conducting a raid on the alleged hideout when the suspects opened fire. During the operation an explosion occurred in the house, resulting in the deaths of at least two militants. Security forces believe that the men may have been members of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). Further security operations in Dhaka are likely in the near term.
Context
Counterterrorism operations are not uncommon in Bangladesh and have greatly intensified since the July 2016 attack on a café popular with foreigners in Dhaka. In August 2017, a plot targeting Mourning Day commemorations in Dhaka was foiled. Further attacks cannot be excluded in the short to medium term.
Advice
Individuals in Bangladesh are advised to remain vigilant particularly when visiting sites deemed likely to be targeted in an attack (airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners etc.).
