India: 11 dead in biggest guerrilla action in Chhattisgarh since the last two years
Image: Image of the crater left by the IED-explosion; Source: The New Indian Express.
Two days ago we reported on new guerrilla actions in the states of Chhattisgarh and Jharkahand, in India. This afternoon another action took place in Chhattisgarh, and this is the biggest action in the area since 2021. This attack was carried out with an Improvised Explosive Device [IED], killing ten policemen and one civil driver. Happened at Bastar, a very important area because the Adivasi people and guerrillas are fiercely struggling against the Indian State’s repression. We have already written about that.
The facts are as follows: “A total of 11 persons, including ten district reserve guard (DRG) personnel, were killed after suspected Naxals blew up their vehicle using IEDs in the Aranpur’s area of Dantewada district.”
The police were mobilized the day before the ambush, after guerrilla activity was reported in the area. At least 200 policemen get out of their headquarters in the Dantewada district. Afterwards, they had an encounter with guerrilla members and an exchange of fire seven kilometers away of Aranpur, without casualties for any side. Finally, on Wednesday afternoon: “Ten police personnel and a civilian driver were killed after Naxals blew up a vehicle that was part of a convoy carrying security personnel in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district on Wednesday. This was the biggest strike by the Maoists on the security forces in the state in the last two years.
The deadly blast was carried out by the Maoists in the area by using an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) containing an estimated 40 kg of explosive material. The bomb was placed inside a rented minivan which was being used by District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawans for transportation. The explosion of the nearly 50 kg bomb left a massive crater, which was 20 feet wide [more than 6 meters] and 10 feet deep [more than 3 meters].”
The Indian State reacted soon and it’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, stated after the attack: “Strongly condemn the attack on the Chhattisgarh police in Dantewada. I pay my tributes to the brave personnel we lost in the attack.”
On the other hand, Odisha’s state put in high alert three districts that have borders with the Chhattisgarh state: Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur. Local media report the next measures on security matters: “Intelligence Director Sanjeeb Panda said that clear instructions have been issued already to intensify patrolling, blocking and checking in these three districts of the state.”
