Maoist Landmine Blast Kills Nine SOG Jawans
A rebel triggered landmine blast killed nine jawans of the Special Operation Group (SOG) and injured eight others in Koraput district of Orissa on Sunday morning.
Targeting the first in a convoy of the three mini buses ferrying SOG personnel, the remote controlled landmine went off at around 1000 hours.
According to reports, the impact of the blast sent the vehicle some 40 ft into the air before crashing its mangled remains some 100 metres away.
Sources said a brief exchange of fire took place between the security personnel and the rebels near the blast site.
The injured were shifted to Jeypore in Koraput district before being flown to Visakhapatnam.
Koraput Superintendent of Police Anup Sahu confirmed the death of nine personnel and injuries to eight.
Following the blast, an intense combing operation was launched in the area.
The SOG jawans were on their way from Koraput to Govindpalli in Malkangiri district.
