At least nine people, including eight police officers and a driver, were killed in a deadly attack in Chhattisgarh, India, when Naxal insurgents detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) on Monday.
Police confirmed the incident, marking yet another violent episode in the decades-long Maoist insurgency affecting the region.
The attack targeted a vehicle carrying security personnel, destroying it entirely. According to authorities, the incident took place in a remote area of Chhattisgarh, a state that has been one of the primary battlegrounds in India’s fight against Naxal insurgency.
The improvised explosive device was planted by Naxals, a militant group known for their guerrilla tactics and sporadic attacks on security forces in central and eastern India.
Chhattisgarh, along with its neighbouring states, has been plagued by a Maoist insurgency for decades. While the areas under Naxal control have significantly reduced over the years due to sustained government efforts, the militant group continues to launch periodic attacks, targeting security forces and government infrastructure.
Frequent gun battles between security personnel and Naxal insurgents are common in the region, with both sides incurring heavy casualties over the years.
Following the attack, security forces in Chhattisgarh launched a combing operation to locate and neutralise the insurgents responsible.
