India: 7 killed, including security personnel in rebel attack
In the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, suspected insurgents ambushed security forces on Saturday, killing a colonel, his wife, son and four soldiers.
According to Voice of America, the incident took place near Sehkan village in Chorachandpur district of Manipur, which is very close to the western border of Myanmar. The attack on Saturday is the first major attack on security forces in Manipur since June 4, 2015.
Police say the attack took place as the colonel was returning from his base after inspecting the front lines of the Assam Rifles Paramilitary Battalion.
According to police, the insurgents first attacked their convoy and targeted it with explosives, after which they opened fire with automatic weapons on both sides of the road.
According to officials, five Indian soldiers were also injured in the attack and were taken to hospital.
It is believed that about two dozen Indian ethnic rebel groups are currently active in Manipur, some of which are demanding a separate homeland for their tribes or ethnic groups. Some of them are in bases and training camps in the jungles of Myanmar.
In addition, some rebel groups have ties to Burmese rebel groups in Myanmar.