The recent presence of United States Air Force personnel and aircraft at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong has sparked widespread discussion on social media. Many posts and videos circulated over the past 24 hours claimed that US officers were staying at local hotels without registering their names or identities, raising questions among residents and online users.

However, official sources have clarified the situation. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Bangladesh issued two statements on Tuesday and Wednesday, confirming that a seven-day joint exercise, named “Operation Pacific Angel 25-3,” is currently underway in Chittagong. The exercise involves personnel from the Bangladesh Air Force and the US Pacific Air Forces. According to ISPR, such joint exercises are routine and have been conducted previously between the two countries. This year’s exercise is scheduled to conclude on September 18.

The US Embassy in Dhaka also posted information about the joint exercise on its official Facebook page, highlighting that the program aims to strengthen defense cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.

According to ISPR, the exercise includes a variety of operational and training activities. Bangladesh’s Air Force has deployed a C-130J transport aircraft and an MI-17 helicopter, while the US Pacific Air Forces have contributed two C-130J transport planes. Approximately 150 personnel from Bangladesh and 92 from the US are participating. The training covers flight operations, combat tracking, and survival exercises.

Local authorities have dismissed claims regarding unregistered hotel stays. Management at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Chittagong stated that all visiting US personnel were properly registered, and allegations to the contrary are unfounded.

The US Embassy’s briefing highlighted that the exercise focuses on humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Ambassador Tracy Ann Jacobson visited the Zahurul Haq Cantonment in Chittagong on September 16 to observe the exercise alongside senior officials of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. In addition to US and Bangladeshi personnel, two medical staff members from the Sri Lanka Air Force, as well as participants from the Oregon Air National Guard and other regional partners, are involved in the week-long program.

Officials emphasized that such exercises are not new. Bangladesh and the United States have a history of conducting joint military drills involving the army, navy, and air force. These programs are designed to enhance operational readiness, strengthen cooperation, and improve capabilities for disaster response and humanitarian missions.

The exercise has attracted attention due to the scale of US participation and the heightened curiosity on social media, but authorities have reiterated that all activities are fully authorized and transparent. They stressed that the purpose is to build collaboration and readiness for emergency situations rather than any offensive or politically motivated action.

ISPR and embassy officials continue to encourage the public to rely on official communications for accurate information about ongoing military exercises. They highlighted that such collaborations contribute to both regional stability and humanitarian preparedness.