06 April 2010

Indian Soldiers Ambushed by Maoist Rebels

A series of ambushes in India have resulted in over 70 casualties.

Maoist rebels have killed at least 72 Indian soldiers in a series of attacks on security convoys in the central state of Chhattisgarh, officials say.

Troops were on patrol in dense jungle in a remote part of Dantewada district when rebels opened fire on them and set off explosives, police say.

Rescue teams were also ambushed. Police say fighting is continuing.

It is the biggest loss of life security forces have suffered since launching a recent offensive against the rebels.

Nearly 50,000 federal paramilitary troops and tens of thousands of policemen are taking part in the operation in several states.

Thousands of people have died during the rebels' 20-year fight for communist rule in large swathes of rural India, known as the "red corridor".



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By: Brant

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