NDA Study— On May 11, India celebrated a historic achievement with the conclusion of Operation Black Forest 2025, which dismantled a long-standing Naxal stronghold in the Karegutta Hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. Launched on April 21, this 21-day offensive involved over 5,000 security personnel, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the elite COBRA battalion, targeting the heart of the Maoist insurgency. The operation resulted in the neutralisation of thirty-one Naxalites, the seizure of hundreds of weapons, and the restoration of government control in a region that had long been under the influence of fear.
This article explores Operation Black Forest 2025, providing a comprehensive timeline, strategic insights, casualty reports, and results that reshaped India’s battle against Naxalism.
What is Operation Black Forest 2025?
Operation Black Forest was a carefully planned anti-Naxal campaign/operation that took place from April 21 to May 11, 2025. The operation targeted the Karegutta Hills, a rugged and forested area known as a stronghold for Maoist insurgents. Its objectives included eliminating insurgent groups, disrupting their supply lines, and reclaiming territory in the volatile region along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation Name | Operation Black Forest |
| Duration | April 21 – May 11, 2025 (21 days) |
| Location | Karreguttalu Hills, along the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border |
| Objective | Dismantle Maoist strongholds and leadership, particularly targeting the CPI (Maoist) and its armed wing, the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) |
| Forces Involved | Over 20,000 personnel from CRPF, CoBRA, DRG, STF, BSF, and state police units from Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra |
| Key Targets | Maoist leaders including Nambala Keshav Rao (alias Basavaraju), PLGA Battalion No. 1, and other senior commanders |
| Maoists Neutralized | 31 killed, including Basavaraju; 54 arrested; 84 surrendered across Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra |
| Security Forces Casualties | 18 personnel injured, primarily due to IED explosions |
| Infrastructure Seized | 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, 899 bundles of codex wire, detonators, approximately 12,000 kg of food supplies; over 214 Maoist hideouts and bunkers destroyed |
| Tactical Innovations | First-ever cave interventions by CRPF, targeting approximately 250 cave formations used by Maoists for hiding, arms production, and storage |
| Intelligence Support | Crucial tip-offs from Andhra Pradesh’s Special Intelligence Branch (APSIB) facilitated the targeting of key Maoist leaders, including Basavaraju |
| Government Response | Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the operation as a “landmark achievement,” reiterating the goal to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026; Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai praised the morale and efforts of the security forces |
| Strategic Impact | Significant weakening of Maoist operational capabilities; disruption of command structures; reduction in Maoist-controlled areas from 18,000 sq km in 2014 to 4,200 sq km in 2025 |
Led by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and supported by COBRA commandos, state police, and Telangana’s Greyhounds, the operation utilised advanced technology such as drones and satellite imagery. Unlike previous efforts, the scale and precision of Operation Black Forest 2025 marked it as a significant turning point in India’s internal security strategy, earning it recognition as a model for future counter-insurgency operations.
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Day-by-Day Timeline of Events (April 21–May 11, 2025)
April 21: The Operation Launches
- Over 5,000 troops have mobilised and established bases around the Karegutta Hills. Intelligence has pinpointed Naxal camps, prompting drone surveillance and troop deployment.
- Intelligence pinpoints Naxal camps, prompting drone surveillance and troop deployment.
April 22–25: First Clashes
- Initial skirmishes occurred as Naxalites engaged with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and gunfire. By April 25, five Naxalites had been neutralised, and the forces successfully defused 20 IEDs with the assistance of bomb squads and sniffer dogs.
- Five Naxalites neutralised by April 25; forces defused 20 IEDs using bomb squads and sniffer dogs.
April 26–30: Breaking the Perimeter
- Troops advance into dense forests, facing ambushes and swarms of bees. One CRPF sniffer dog, Rolo, succumbed to the stings on April 27. By April 30, ten Naxalites had been killed, and three camps were destroyed, yielding weapons and documents.
- Ten Naxalites killed by April 30; three camps destroyed, yielding weapons and documents.
May 1–5: The Turning Point
- Coordinated assaults targeted key Naxal positions, neutralising 12 insurgents, including two commanders.
- Forces seized rifles, explosives, and radios, crippling enemy coordination.
May 6–10: The Final Push
- Naxalites retreat uphill as forces build temporary helipads for resupply.
- On May 8, an IED blast kills three Greyhounds commandos—the operation’s only security force losses.
- By May 10, 54 Naxalites arrested, 84 surrendered.
May 11: Victory Declared
- All Naxal hideouts have been cleared, with total casualties reaching 31. Thed.
- Karegutta Hills have been secured, concluding a 21-day Operation Black Forest 2025.
Objectives and Forces Deployed
The mission is to dismantle the Naxal presence in Karegutta Hills, neutralise their leadership, and open the area for development. Secondary goals include weapons seizures and encouraging surrenders.
Forces Involved:
- CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force): The backbone of the operation, providing essential manpower and logistics.
- COBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action): Experts in jungle warfare, crucial for close-quarters combat.
- State Police: Including DRG (District Reserve Guard) and STF (Special Task Force) units from Chhattisgarh and Telangana, utilising their local knowledge effectively.
- Greyhounds: An elite anti-Naxal force, ensuring success in cross-border operations.
With drones, satellite imagery, and real-time intelligence, the operation showcased India’s evolving counter-insurgency capabilities.
Major Encounters and Areas Covered
The Karegutta Hills, which span 1,200 square kilometres of steep, forested terrain, tested the endurance of the forces involved. Key battles during the operation included:
- April 23: A skirmish at the foothills resulted in the deaths of three Naxalites.
- April 28: A firefight in the central hills neutralised seven enemy combatants and uncovered an arms cache.
- May 3: An assault on a camp yielded five enemy kills and materials for improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
- May 8: An IED blast claimed the lives of three Greyhounds.
The Operation Black Forest 2025’s success was largely attributed to the team’s ability to overcome natural obstacles, such as caves, cliffs, and local wildlife—by employing innovative tactics, including the use of mid-mission helipads.
Final Casualty Reports and Weapons Seized
The numbers tell the detailed story about Operation Black Forest 2025, India’s largest and most impactful anti-Naxal operation to date:
- Naxal Losses: 31 killed, 54 arrested, 84 surrendered.
- Security Forces: 3 Greyhound commandos lost.
- Weapons: 35 firearms, 450 IEDs, 2 tonnes of explosives.
- Other: Medical kits, radios, and strategic documents.
These seizures disrupted Naxal operations across the Red Corridor, marking a significant blow.
What Security Forces Achieved
Operation Black Forest 2025 was successfully executed, resulting in a series of significant outcomes and achievements that aligned with our strategic objectives. The mission involved meticulous planning and coordination, leading to the effective implementation of our goals. The operation has delivered tangible results and valuable insights that will inform our future initiatives. What we achieved:
- Territorial Gains: Reclaimed a Maoist stronghold.
- Command Disruption: Shattered the unified Naxal leadership.
- Morale Boost: Surrender signalled a psychological win.
- Tactical Precedent: Proved technology’s role in modern operations.
Compared to past efforts like Operation Sindoor, its precision and scale stand out, offering a blueprint for future success.
Our Words on Operation Black Forest 2025
Operation Black Forest 2025 was not just a military victory; it was a powerful statement. By neutralising 31 Naxalites, seizing hundreds of weapons, and reclaiming the Karegutta Hills, India’s security forces demonstrated their capabilities. This operation brings hope for peace in a region that has long been affected by insurgency, showcasing a blend of strategy, bravery, and innovation. As the future of the Red Corridor unfolds, this campaign will serve as a cornerstone of India’s internal security legacy.
Sources: Ministry of Home Affairs (2025), CRPF Press Briefings, News Reports
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