In News:

One of India’s most extensive anti-Naxal offensives in recent years, Operation Black Forest, resulted in the elimination of 31 Maoists. The operation was conducted in the Kurraguttalu Hills, a strategic Maoist stronghold located on the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border.

Key Features of Operation Black Forest

• Type: High-intensity counterinsurgency operation
• Duration: 21 days
• Area of Operation:Kurraguttalu Hills (approx. 1,200 sq km), known for rugged terrain and dense forest cover

Objectives:

• Dismantle key Maoist bases and operational infrastructure
• Neutralize senior Maoist leadership
• Re-establish state control in insurgency-affected zones
• Contribute to the national target of eliminating Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 31, 2026

Security Forces Involved:

• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) units
• Chhattisgarh Police, including:
  • Special Task Force (STF)
  • District Reserve Guard (DRG)

About Kurraguttalu (Karregutta) Hills

• Geographical Location: On the inter-state border of BhadradriKothagudem district (Telangana) and Sukma district (Chhattisgarh)
• Terrain Characteristics:
  • Extends over 25–50 km
  • Features include steep elevations (~5,000 feet), caves, waterfalls, and dense forest cover
  • Topography ideal for guerrilla warfare and concealment
• Local Terminology: Referred to by tribal communities as “Black Hills” or “Carregutta”

Demographic & Socio-political Aspects:

• Inhabited by Koya, Gond, and Chenchu tribes
• Tribal communities have historically been vulnerable in the conflict zone, often caught between insurgents and state forces

Other Key Maoist-affected Regions

• Abujhmad (Chhattisgarh)
• Malkangiri (Odisha)
• Gadchiroli (Maharashtra)

These areas, like Karregutta, serve as critical Maoist corridors with difficult terrain and limited state presence, posing ongoing challenges to internal security operations.