12 Naxalites killed in fierce Bijapur clash with security forces
Twelve Naxalites died on Thursday in a fierce gunfight with security forces in the forests of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. Police confirmed that the clash occurred during an anti-Maoist operation in the Bastar region. A joint team of forces, including District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel and CRPF units, initiated the operation after receiving specific intelligence about Maoist activity in the area.
Early reports suggest that several Maoists were injured, but authorities are awaiting confirmation from search operations scheduled for Friday.
The security forces included members of the CRPF’s elite CoBRA unit, which specializes in jungle warfare, along with troops from five battalions. The intense exchange of gunfire started in the morning and lasted for several hours. According to police sources, while the exact number of Maoist casualties is still unclear, initial estimates suggest around 10 may have been killed.
This operation marks the second significant encounter in Bijapur this month. On January 12, five Naxalites, including two women, were killed in another clash near the Bandepara-Koranjed jungle, located within Indravati National Park. Bijapur remains one of the most affected districts in the Bastar region, often considered a hotspot for Maoist insurgency in southern Chhattisgarh.
Authorities reported no casualties among security forces during the latest encounter. However, more details are expected to emerge as teams continue their search operations. This ongoing conflict highlights the persistent challenges faced by security forces in the region, where Maoist groups continue to pose a significant threat.
