The security operation inside Indravati Tiger Reserve killed 31 Maoists—their second-highest toll in the state's history

Indian security forces gunned down 31 Maoist rebels in the forests of country's central state of Chhattisgarh on Sunday (Feb 9), police said, in its biggest encounter this year. Two security personnel were killed,

Indian security forces have killed 31 Maoist rebels in the forests of Chhattisgarh state. Two Indian commandos were also killed in the battle, and two other security force members were wounded, police said. Chhattisgarh has seen a long-running insurgency by Maoists who say they are fighting for the rights of the poor.

Indian security forces killed at least 31 Maoist rebels on Sunday in one of the deadliest clashes since the government ramped up efforts to crush the long-running insurgency. Two Indian commandos were also killed in the battle, and two other security force members were wounded, police said.

At least 31 suspected Maoist rebels and two police officials were killed on Sunday in the deadliest combat so far this year in central India, police said.

Rebels known as Naxalites have waged an insurgency that has ebbed and flowed over decades, but government operations have given them less space to maneuver.