India’s Largest Anti-Naxal Operation: 31 Maoists Killed in Operation Black Forest

During Operation Black Forest, lasting 21 days, security forces managed to kill 31 Maoist insurgents as they targeted Maoist camps inside Kurraguttalu Hills across the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border. The government wanted to destroy Naxal structures and remove the main leaders to restore control in the area. CRPF’s CoBRA, along with the Chhattisgarh Police, STF, and DRG were all involved in the operation. Being full of thick forests and high hills, the region has a long history as a stronghold for Maoists. The task supports India’s plan to end Left Wing Extremism by 2026 as laid out by the government.

Context:

• Operation Black Forest forms a key part of India’s continual battle against Left Wing Extremism, with the aim of regaining territories scattered in the central and eastern forests of India.

What is Operation Black Forest?

• Operation Black Forest lasted for 21 days and aimed at eliminating Maoist activity in the remote mountainous area of the Kurraguttalu Hills, which is about 1,200 square kilometers wide between Chhattisgarh and Telangana. 

• It adds to India’s continuous efforts to curb Left Wing extremism and gain back places held by insurgents.

Details of Operation Black Forest

• Duration: 21 days

• Location: Kurraguttalu Hills (with an area of ~1,200 sq km) are found along the common border of Chhattisgarh and Telangana

Objective:

• Neutralize top Maoist leadership

• Remove Maoist headquarters and the infrastructure they depend on

• Use force to gain authority in insurgent areas.

• Assist India in reaching its objective of ending Left Wing Extremism by March 31, 2026

Forces Involved:

• The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) & CoBRA groups

• Chhattisgarh Police

• Special Task Force (STF)

• District Reserve Guard (DRG)

Terrain and Geography:

• Steep hills, caves, dense forests

• Elevation nearly 5,000 feet

• Hard to traverse terrain, great for guerrilla warfare

Local Population:

• Inhabited by tribal communities: Koya, Gond, and Chenchu

• Tribes are still often threatened by long-lasting insurgency.

Other Maoist Hotspots:

• Abujhmad (Chhattisgarh)

• Malkangiri (Odisha)

• Gadchiroli (Maharashtra)

Conclusion:

With Operation Black Forest, India greatly improved its approach to fighting insurgencies in difficult areas. Such operations must be carried out permanently to restore peace and growth for regions colonized by Maoists as well as to assure the security of tribal groups involved in civil unrest.