SYLHET: At least two militants were killed in the joint forces anti-militant raid codenamed “Operation Twilight” at the five-storey building ‘Atia Mahal’ in Shibbari area under Dakshin Surma upazila of Sylhet.

Joint forces in a press briefing on Sunday evening (March 26) said the operation is being conducted with extreme caution as the militants put Improvised Explosive Device (IED) through out the entire building floor. So it may take time to complete the operation.

In the press briefing, spokesman of the operation Army 17th Infantry Division GOC Brig Gen Fakhrul Ahsan said two militants were killed by army in the raid that has been going on for over 50 hours since Friday.

 “Our first goal was to bring out the hostages safely from the building and we did it. 78 civilian was rescued. Our second goal is to eliminate the militants without harming our own members. But it has become risky since militants planted explosives in the building. Under the circumstances, it will take more time to complete the operation.” 

On Friday (March 24) morning, Law enforcers cordoned off the building “Atia Mahal” as a suspected militant hideout. Later RAB, SWAT, Army jointly launched “Operation Twilight” in the evening.
 
On Saturday evening, twin blasts outside Atia Mahal killed six people including two police officials. At least 40 people were injured so far.

*Sylhet blast death toll rises to 6*

*Cop among 2 killed in blasts near Sylhet militant den*

BDST: 1958 HRS, MAR 26, 2017
AP