India: IED attack by suspected Maoist militants wounds security personnel in Chhattisgarh state November 28

Event

Five members of the Central Reserve Police Force's (CRPF) Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) unit were wounded after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Saturday, November 28. The IED was believed to have been planted by Maoist militants (Naxalites). The detonation occurred in the Chintafuga forest area near the village of Tadmetla as security personnel were conducting operations in the area. One of those injured was reportedly in critical condition.

Security operations are expected in the vicinity of the incident over the coming days. Further Maoist rebel attacks are possible in eastern India over the medium term.

Context

Maoist insurgents (Naxalites) have been active for several decades in rural areas of the states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal, as well as in the border region around Andhra Pradesh. An estimated 6000 people have died in the past 20 years, though activities have decreased recently in part due to a security crackdown. Restrictions on the movement of foreigners are in place for some rural areas of eastern India, including parts of Chhattisgarh.

Advice

Those in Chhattisgarh state are advised to monitor developments to the situation and remain vigilant for potential militant activity, particularly if planning on traveling to rural areas of the abovementioned states.