A deadly gunbattle between security forces and Maoist militants in India’s Chhattisgarh state has resulted in 33 fatalities, including 2 soldiers and 31 Maoist insurgents.
In a violent clash in the forests of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, 33 individuals have been killed, with the casualties including two jawans (soldiers) and 31 Maoist militants. The gunfight, which occurred on Sunday (February 9), left two soldiers injured as well.
According to reports from Times of India, the battle took place in the Bastar division, specifically in the dense forests of Bijapur, where security forces engaged with Maoist insurgents in a fierce confrontation. This is the same region where, earlier in January, an IED explosion killed eight security personnel and a civilian driver, prompting a major anti-Maoist operation that led to the deaths of eight insurgents.
During the ongoing encounter, security forces recovered the bodies of 12 Maoist militants dressed in uniforms, along with weapons and explosives. The fight continued intermittently as additional troops were deployed to the area.
The security operation, which started based on intelligence about the presence of high-ranking Maoist leaders in the area, escalated into the gunfight early in the morning. The situation remains tense as the search and clearance operation continues, with the injured jawans’ condition not deemed critical.
Liberty News’ international correspondent states that authorities have assured that more security personnel have been sent to the area to reinforce the operation, and further combing of the forest area is underway to track down any remaining insurgents.
LND/BAIZID
