India: Deadly Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh May 24

Event

An improvised explosive device (IED) blast killed at least two soldiers, including a CoBRA member (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), in Chhattisgarh state around 07:45 (local time) on Thursday, May 24. According to local sources the incident occurred in the forest near the village of Puswada (Sukma district). The attack has been attributed to Maoists insurgents.

Additional Maoist militant attacks are possible in Chhattisgarh and other Indian states affected by the ongoing insurgency in the coming weeks.

Context

Violent Maoist insurgents (Naxalites) have been active for several decades in rural areas of the states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkand, Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal, as well as in the border region around Andra Pradesh. For this reason, restrictions on the movement of foreign tourists in rural areas have been put in place by local authorities.

On May 20, seven policemen were killed by an IED near the village of Cholnar, in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh state. The attack was also attributed to Maoist insurgents.

Advice

Individuals in Chhattisgarh state are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Remain vigilant for potential militant activity, particularly if planning on traveling to rural areas of the abovementioned states.