23 Nov 2019 | 03:25 AM UTC
India: Maoist rebels ambush police officers in Jharkhand November 22
A group of Maoist rebels ambush police officers in Latehar (Jharkhand state) on November 22, killing four officers; similar attacks possible in the near term
Event
Suspected Maoist rebels ambushed police officers in Latehar (Jharkhand state) on the night (local time) of Friday, November 22, killing four officers. Another two people were wounded in the shooting. The attack occurred following a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) political rally in the area.
Similar Maoist rebel attacks are possible in eastern India in the near 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
Individuals in India, particularly those in Jharkhand 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.
