India: Security forces clash with Maoist rebels in Sukma district (Chhattisgarh state) August 12

Event

Security forces killed four Maoist rebels during clashes in Sukma district (Chhattisgarh state) during Wednesday morning, August 12. The fighting reportedly occurred at 09:30 (local time) near the village of Phulampar, as local security forces carried out a counter-insurgency operation. A number of automatic rifles were recovered from the scene. A search operation was launched following the engagement, and further operations by security forces are possible in the area in the near term.

Context

Maoist insurgents, known as Naxalites, are active in remote rural areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal states, as well as in the border region between Andra Pradesh and in remote parts of Bihar and West Bengal states.

Advice

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