Nine Killed in Chhattisgarh IED Blast

A deadly attack in Chhattisgarh, India, resulted in the deaths of nine security personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and their driver when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Maoist rebels. The incident occurred near Ambeli village as the forces were returning from a joint operation against the insurgents. This attack is noted as one of the most significant against security forces in the region in nearly two years, occurring shortly after a previous encounter where five Maoists and a police officer were killed. The state police reported that the blast was powerful enough to blow the roof off the vehicle and left several personnel injured. The ongoing conflict with Maoists, part of a decades-long insurgency, has claimed over 10,000 lives, prompting government efforts to quell the rebellion, including recent operations that led to numerous arrests and surrenders. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has emphasized the government's commitment to eradicating Naxalism by 2026, despite the ongoing threats posed by these insurgent groups.