Bijapur, Oct 14: A Special Task Force (STF) jawan sustained critical injuries in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast during a joint anti-Maoist operation in the dense forests of Kandlapurti under Bhopalpatnam police station limits in Bijapur district.

According to reports, the blast occurred when the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Special Task Force (STF) were out on combing operation

Sources indicate that the IED was planted by suspected Maoist insurgents to target patrolling forces in the region.

Following the incident, the injured jawan was immediately rushed for medical treatment. Currently, the jawan's health condition is reported to be serious.

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Security forces have intensified combing operations in the area to trace the perpetrators and ensure the safety of personnel involved in the mission.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have assured that further steps will be taken to neutralise such threats.