In a significant blow to Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, six Maoist fighters were killed during a fierce encounter in the Bijapur district. The operation, which took place in the Gangaloor forest area near the Dantewada border, also resulted in the tragic loss of two brave jawans from the District Reserve Guard (DRG).
Security forces, including the DRG, STF, and CoBRA commandos, were engaged in a proactive anti-Naxal sweep when they encountered a heavily armed group of militants. The ensuing gun battle was intense and reportedly lasted for about two hours. Officials confirmed that six Naxalites were neutralized during the confrontation, and their bodies were recovered from the scene. The sacrifice of the two DRG jawans has been widely mourned.
The operation is still active, with security forces maintaining a strong presence and surrounding a considerable number of Naxalite cadres. The final casualty figures for the Naxalites are subject to change as the situation evolves. This encounter is part of a broader, sustained campaign against Naxal insurgency in Chhattisgarh, which has seen a high number of Naxalites eliminated throughout the year, highlighting the persistent security challenges in the state.