Breaking: 14 Naxals Killed in Two Major Encounters With Security Forces in Chhattisgarh

In Short

• 14 Naxal insurgents killed in separate encounters in Sukma and Bijapur districts.
• Operations were intelligence-led and involved the District Reserve Guard.
• Weapons recovered; anti-Maoist efforts boosted in Bastar region.

Security forces in Chhattisgarh have dealt a significant blow to Naxal insurgents by neutralizing 14 cadres in two distinct encounters on Saturday. The operations took place deep within the forested regions of Sukma and Bijapur districts in the state’s conflict-prone Bastar division, where left-wing extremist activity has been persistent.

According to officials, specific intelligence allowed the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and allied security teams to launch targeted search operations early in the day. In Sukma’s jungles, a fierce firefight broke out when a Naxal group engaged the advancing forces. Twelve insurgents were killed during this engagement, and authorities recovered automatic rifles and other arms at the scene.

In a separate operation in Bijapur district, security personnel encountered another group of insurgents. Two more Naxal cadres were found dead in forested areas near Gaganpalli village following intermittent gunfire. Both districts have long been hotspots for Maoist activities, and these encounters reflect the heightened push by state forces to suppress insurgent networks.

Officials described the operations as precision-based and intelligence-driven, designed to disrupt militant movement in the region ahead of intensified efforts this year. No reports of casualties among security personnel have emerged so far, underscoring the effectiveness of coordination on the ground.

This development comes amid a broader campaign to curb extremist violence in central India. In recent years, Chhattisgarh has seen sustained anti-Naxal campaigns, resulting in the neutralization and surrender of numerous insurgents. Security sources say ongoing operations are focused on securing peace and stability in remote tribal habitations long affected by insurgency.

As search and combing operations continue in both districts, authorities remain vigilant, seeking to capitalize on recent gains and continue dismantling remaining militant structures in the region.