India: Eight Maoist rebels dead in Telangana raid Dec. 14

Event

Indian security forces killed at least eight Maoist rebels and seized a weapons cache during a raid in rural Telangana state on Thursday, December 14. Officials say the hideout was located in a forest 250 km (155 mi) east of the state capital of Hyderabad. No injuries were reported among the security forces. Further raids are possible in the area in the coming days.

Context

Maoist rebels are believed to be present in at least 20 Indian states, including Telangana; however, they are most active in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Orissa. Members of the group, also known as Naxalites, have been active since 1967 and call for more resources to be devoted to poor, rural communities.

Advice

Individuals present in Telangana state are advised to exercise extra caution in rural areas due to the risk of rebel activity and to monitor the situation.