Maoist threat triggers US alert: Northern Telangana, rural Andhra Pradesh marked ‘high-risk'; advisory cites Operation Kagar
HYDERABAD: The United States department of state has issued a security alert cautioning American citizens against travelling to northern Telangana and rural parts of Andhra Pradesh, citing heightened Maoist extremist activity.
The warning is part of a broader advisory reissued, urging travellers to "exercise increased caution" across India, while flagging specific high-risk regions.
While India remains at level 2 (exercise increased caution) overall, the advisory highlighted areas with active Maoist insurgent groups - referred to as 'Naxalites'. These include parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar as well as rural parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
"Maoist extremist groups are active across a large region from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal," the advisory stated.
The warning gains relevance amid intensified anti-Maoist operations like Operation Kagar, conducted along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, which has witnessed recent skirmishes between Maoists and Indian security forces.
"Attacks against Indian govt officers continue sporadically in rural belts bordering Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha," it warned.
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The advisory also noted limited US consular access to these remote areas, stating that the US govt employees working in India require special authorisation to visit the high-risk zones.
Beyond Maoist-related concerns, the advisory flagged broader issues of violent crime and terrorism in India. It urged visitors to remain vigilant at public places, tourist spots, markets, transportation hubs, and govt buildings. "Violent crimes, including sexual assault, have occurred at tourist locations. Terrorist groups may attack with little or no warning," the alert read.
The US department of state reiterated that rape is among the fastest-growing crimes in India, highlighting personal safety risks even outside Maoist-hit areas.
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