Operation Black Forest: A Historic Anti-Naxal Triumph

From April 21 to May 11, 2025, India’s security forces conducted Operation Black Forest, the largest-ever anti-Naxal operation, at Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. This 21-day mission marked a significant step toward achieving a Naxal-free India by March 31, 2026, as pledged by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This post delves into the operation’s details, its strategic importance, and its impact on India’s internal security landscape.

Details of Operation Black Forest

Targeting a Naxal Stronghold

Karreguttalu Hill, located in the rugged border region of Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, and Mulugu, Telangana, was a key base for major Naxal organizations, including the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion 1, Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), Telangana State Committee (TSC), and Central Regional Committee (CRC). The hill, spanning 60 km in length and 5-20 km in width, served as a hub for Naxal training, strategy development, and weapons manufacturing. The operation resulted in the neutralization of 31 Naxalites, with 28 identified, carrying a collective bounty of Rs. 1.72 crore.

Seamless Coordination

The operation involved the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), its elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), Chhattisgarh’s Special Task Force (STF), and District Reserve Guard (DRG). A multi-agency team analyzed intelligence from technical, human, and field sources, enabling precise targeting of Naxal hideouts and arms caches. The forces recovered 35 weapons, 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, and 12,000 kg of food supplies, while destroying 214 hideouts and four technical units used for producing explosives.

Strategic Significance

Disrupting Naxal Operations

Operation Black Forest dismantled a critical Naxal stronghold, weakening their armed capabilities. The destruction of technical units and recovery of explosives disrupted the Naxalites’ ability to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other weapons. The operation’s success is attributed to meticulous planning and real-time intelligence, which prevented security force casualties despite challenging terrain and temperatures exceeding 45°C.

Advancing Government Policy

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the government’s ‘whole-of-government’ approach integrates security operations with development initiatives. The establishment of 320 security camps and 555 fortified police stations since 2019 has reduced Naxal influence, with affected districts dropping from 126 in 2014 to 18 in 2025. This operation aligns with the goal of eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.

Challenges and Resilience

Harsh Conditions

The Karreguttalu Hill terrain, with its dense forests, caves, and ambush points, posed significant challenges. Despite 18 personnel from CoBRA, STF, and DRG sustaining injuries from IED blasts, all are reported stable. The forces’ resilience in extreme heat and dehydration highlights their commitment to national security.

Human Cost and Broader Impact

While the operation achieved a tactical victory, it also underscores the human cost of the Naxal insurgency. The neutralization of 31 Naxalites, including 16 women, reflects the complex socio-political dynamics of the conflict. The government’s strategy emphasizes both security measures and rehabilitation for surrendered Naxalites, with 718 surrenders recorded in 2025.

Progress Toward a Naxal-Free India

Declining Naxal Influence

Operation Black Forest is part of a broader campaign that has significantly reduced Naxal activities. In 2014, 35 districts were heavily affected by Naxalism, compared to just 6 in 2025. Violent incidents dropped from 1,080 in 2014 to 374 in 2024, and security personnel deaths decreased from 88 to 19 over the same period. The neutralization of 197 hardcore Naxalites in 2025 further weakens their operational capacity.

Development and Security Synergy

The government’s approach combines security operations with development schemes to address the root causes of Naxalism. New security camps and infrastructure, such as 68 night-landing helipads, have strengthened the forces’ presence in remote areas, while development programs aim to improve living conditions and reduce local support for Naxalites.

Key Insight: Operation Black Forest, conducted from April 21 to May 11, 2025, exemplifies India’s resolve to achieve a Naxal-free nation by March 31, 2026, through coordinated security efforts and development initiatives.

Important Facts About Operation Black Forest and Anti-Naxal Efforts

To deepen your understanding, here are key points about Operation Black Forest and India’s fight against Naxalism:

  • Operation Black Forest: Conducted from April 21 to May 11, 2025, it neutralized 31 Naxalites and destroyed 214 hideouts at Karreguttalu Hill.
  • Naxal Stronghold: Karreguttalu Hill was a unified headquarters for PLGA Battalion 1, DKSZC, TSC, and CRC, used for training and weapons production.
  • Security Forces: CRPF, CoBRA, STF, and DRG coordinated the operation, recovering 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, and 35 weapons.
  • Government Commitment: The Modi government aims to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026, integrating security and development strategies.
  • Declining Naxal Influence: Naxal-affected districts reduced from 126 in 2014 to 18 in 2025, with violent incidents dropping significantly.

Operation Black Forest stands as a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to internal security and development, paving the way for a peaceful and prosperous future free from Naxal influence.