Teknaf, Oct 03 (V7N) – Coast Guard and Navy forces have rescued 38 people, including women and children, from traffickers operating in the deep hills of Teknaf. Two individuals suspected of involvement in human trafficking were arrested during the operation.

Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, Coast Guard media officer, provided details at a press briefing on Friday afternoon. He said the operation was based on intelligence that some individuals were being held captive in the mountainous areas of Baharchhara Union, intended for trafficking by sea to countries including Malaysia.

The joint forces conducted the operation around 2 am Thursday night, rescuing a total of 38 victims: 18 women, 12 men, and 8 children. The traffickers reportedly tortured the victims to extort ransom and forcibly prepare them for illegal transport abroad.

Authorities emphasized their commitment to combating human trafficking and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations in border and coastal areas.

END/SMA/AJ