Five CoBRA Jawans Injured in Saranda Anti-Maoist Operation, One Critical
Saranda, April 16: A major anti-Maoist operation in the Saranda-Baliba forest region turned violent when security forces engaged in a prolonged gun battle with Maoist cadres.
The encounter was triggered by an IED explosion, leading to injuries among five personnel of the CoBRA Battalion.
Officials confirmed that four jawans are in stable condition, while one remains critical.
All injured were airlifted to Ranchi for urgent medical treatment.
The operation, conducted in the hilly terrain near Baliba under Chotanagra police limits, reportedly targeted a Maoist squad that included a high-value cadre.
Security forces have sealed exit routes and intensified combing operations in the area.
A high alert has been sounded along the Odisha-Jharkhand border to prevent Maoist movement. Details on Maoist casualties are awaited.
This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing drive to flush out Left Wing Extremists from Saranda, a long-time Maoist stronghold.
