Maoist Attack Kills Nine Security Personnel in Chhattisgarh

Nine members of the security forces, including eight from the District Reserve Guard and a driver, were killed in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by suspected Maoist guerillas. The attack occurred as the personnel were returning from an anti-Maoist operation, highlighting the ongoing insurgency that has claimed over 10,000 lives since its inception. The blast not only destroyed the vehicle but also led to gunfire from the insurgents, injuring several others. Security forces have intensified operations against the Maoists, with 287 rebels reported killed in 2024 alone. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has vowed to eradicate the Maoist influence by 2026, yet such attacks illustrate the persistent danger the insurgents pose. Following the ambush, security forces have initiated combing operations to locate the attackers and ensure a strong response against the violence.