Based on specific intelligence inputs about Maoist presence along the south-western border areas of Bijapur, a joint team comprising personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), CRPF and its elite CoBRA unit launched an anti-Maoist campaign.“During the operation underway, an encounter took place between the forces and the Maoists on Wednesday. So far, the bodies of 26 Maoists have been recovered under Operation Mission Sankalp since April 21,” he added.In the past few days of this major counter-insurgency drive, security forces have located several Maoist bunkers, hideouts and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).Owing to the inhospitable topography, the forces have been unable to recover all bodies of the Maoists killed, the officer said.Around six jawans have been injured in pressure IED blasts during various stages of the operation. Their conditions are said to be stable and out of danger.This year, 168 Maoists have been killed in various encounters across Chhattisgarh, including 151 in the Bastar division. The Red rebels have also killed nine civilians in separate incidents in the Bastar region, which includes seven Maoist-affected districts.
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