At least eight Maoists are estimated to have been killed during a large-scale anti-Naxal operation involving around 1,500 personnel of the CRPF’s CoBRA commando unit in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district on January 22, with an exchange of fire continuing in the Saranda forests.
The firefight began around 6.30 am in the Kiriburu area and was ongoing by noon. Although bodies had not been recovered, estimates indicated that eight Naxals had been killed during the operation, which security forces have been conducting in the Saranda forest region since Tuesday.
Teams from the 209th battalion of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) are engaged with a group led by Maoist commander Patiram Manjhi, alias Anal. The operation includes personnel from the CRPF and CoBRA units, supported by Jharkhand Police.
Also read: Encounter ensues between Maoists, security forces in Jharkhand
Jharkhand Police Inspector General (Operations) Michael Raj S said in the morning that “intermittent firing is continuing from both sides.”
The CRPF has mobilised more than 600 commandos from its 209, 205 and 203 CoBRA battalions for the operation, moving men and equipment from neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Heavy vehicles, satellite phones, drones and other combat equipment have been deployed in the forested terrain.
Three helicopters have been stationed in Ranchi for evacuation and logistical support. The CoBRA unit is the CRPF’s specialised force trained in jungle warfare.
“A group of about 10–15 Naxals has been engaged with the CoBRA units and more details are expected to come by the evening,” a senior officer said.
The operation forms part of the Union government’s stated objective of ending Left Wing Extremism in the country by March this year.
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