IED threat rises in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand

Authorities in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have raised an alert due to an increase in incidents involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This comes as security forces expand operations in Naxal areas to meet a government goal of eradicating Left Wing Extremism by March 2026. Officials noted a significant rise in IED recoveries and explosions, including devices equipped with beer bottles for remote detonation. Security forces are setting up new camps in remote districts to counter the threat. They have observed that Naxal groups are relying more on IEDs instead of direct confrontations. Recent analysis shows that IED attacks have surged dramatically, particularly around security camps. The Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign, launched by Maoists in warmer months, aims to target security personnel during times when their movements can be easily observed. Data indicated a 25 percent increase in IED incidents between 2022 and 2024 compared to the previous two years. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) recently recovered a dangerous IED in Bijapur district, which was designed to cause serious injuries. This represents a trend toward using more sophisticated IEDs. So far in 2024, there have been 78 major IED incidents in Chhattisgarh, resulting in the deaths of eight security personnel. These numbers have only continued to rise. Over the past year, security forces have established more than 70 forward operating bases to strengthen their presence in these areas. Tragically, several security personnel have already been killed by IED blasts this year. Authorities are taking these growing threats seriously as they work towards their operational goals.