08 Jul 2020 | 04:02 AM UTC
Bangladesh: Militant ambush kills six in Chittagong Hill Tracts July 7
Militants ambush rival group in Bagmara (Bandarban district; Chittagong Hill Tracts) on July 7, killing at least six; further attacks possible in the near term
Event
Gunmen attacked supporters of a splinter group of Jan Sanhati Samiti (JSS) in Bagmara (Bandarban district; Chittagong Hill Tracts) on Tuesday, July 7. Six people were killed in the ambush, and three others were critically wounded. The splinter group's district head was among those killed.
Retaliation attacks are possible in the coming days from the splinter group, and a heightened security presence should be anticipated in Bagmara in the short term.
Context
The JSS is the main insurgent group in Bangladesh's three Chittagong hill districts that include Bandarban.
Tension between ethnic groups and the government in the Chittagong Hills Tracts presents a credible concern, despite the 1997 peace accord.
Advice
Individuals in Chittagong are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Many Western governments advise against all but non-essential travel to the area or advise against travel completely due to ongoing insecurity.
