11 killed as Naxal attack security vehicle in Chhattisgarh

Eleven security personnel were killed in an IED attack by Naxals in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada on Wednesday.

The District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel were returning from an anti-Maoist operation when the mini-goods van in which they were travelling was blown up by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Aranpur in Dantewada district.

One civilian driver and 10 DRG personnel were killed in the attack.

CRPF IG, Bastar, P Sundarraj said the bodies of the killed were being brought back. Senior police personnel have camped in the region. Search operation is on to hunt for the Naxals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack in a tweet. "Strongly condemn the attack on the Chhattisgarh police in Dantewada. I pay my tributes to the brave personnel we lost in the attack. Their sacrifice will always be remembered. My condolences to the bereaved families," he said.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Singh Baghel expressed condolences towards the families of the DRG personnel.

Baghel said the fight with the Naxals is in the last stage and Naxalism will be rooted out once and for all.

Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the Chhattisgarh CM of all central assistance after the attack, officials said.