NEW DELHI, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Maoists attacked a security personnel camp in India's West Bengal state, killing 24 people in one of their worst violent acts, authorities said.
The Monday attack occurred in Midnapore district's Shilda locality in the eastern state, Times of India-IANS reported.
"According to latest information 24 security personnel were killed in the attack," local official N.S. Nigam told IANS.
The BBC reported about 50 rebels on motorcycles encircled the camp of the Eastern Frontier Rifles before opening fire. As the fighting raged, more rebels armed with automatic weapons joined.
The two-decade old rebel violence for Communist rule in many Indian states has claimed more than 6,000 lives, the report said.
"The Maoists then burnt down the camp and planted landmines on the entire length of the road leading to the camp. Reinforcements with night vision and anti-landmine vehicles reached the camp late at night," Nigam told the BBC.
At least 12 more security personnel were reported missing.
The head of the rebels was quoted as saying the attack, described as "Operation Peace Hunt," was in response to the government's recent "Operation Green Hunt" against the Maoists.
"We are looking for peace but we are forced to fight and kill the poor troops of the government forces. We will mourn the death of those killed but the government is responsible for their death," the chief told the BBC on telephone from an undisclosed location.
