16 Maoists killed in exchange of fire in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh

Amaravati: The Maoists have once again suffered a severe setback in Chhattisgarh. 16 Maoists were killed in an encounter between security forces and Maoists in Sukma district on Saturday morning. The gunfight, which also left two security personnel injured, took place during an anti-Naxal operation launched by a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Bastar Range IG Sundar Raj said, the operation was initiated on Friday night in the Kerlapal area following credible intelligence inputs about the presence of Naxals. As the forces advanced into the dense forested region, a heavy exchange of fire ensued, resulting in the deaths of 16 Naxals. A large cache of weapons, including two AK-47 rifles, several country-made firearms, and a significant quantity of ammunition, was recovered from the encounter site. The injured personnel were immediately shifted to a hospital in Sukma and are reported to be out of danger.