Intense Anti-Naxal Operation in Jharkhand: CRPF's CoBRA Units in Action

A significant anti-Naxal operation involving 1,500 CRPF personnel and CoBRA commandos is underway in Jharkhand's Saranda forests. The operation, aiming to eradicate Left Wing Extremism, has reportedly led to the deaths of at least eight Naxals. The authorities are yet to recover the bodies.

An intense anti-Naxal operation is underway in Jharkhand, involving about 1,500 personnel from the CRPF's esteemed CoBRA commando unit, according to officials. The encounter began early Thursday in the dense Saranda forests of West Singhbhum district and, as of now, it is still ongoing.

Authorities have reported that by noon, at least eight Naxal casualties were expected, although the bodies have not yet been retrieved. A team from the 209th CoBRA battalion is locked in confrontation with a group of Maoists led by Patiram Manjhi, also known as Anal.

This coordinated effort forms part of a determined initiative by the Union government to end Left Wing Extremism by March. The operation began earlier in the week, but heavy firing erupted on Thursday morning. With support from neighbouring states, the CRPF is employing advanced technology, including drones and satellite phones, alongside the deployment of three helicopters for emergency evacuations.

(With inputs from agencies.)