Bijapur, Feb. 5 -- Security forces have recovered the body of a Maoist in an encounter operation in the southern region of Bijapur district this morning, officials confirmed.

Along with the body of the slain Maoist, the security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle from the site.

The campaign was launched after reports of armed Maoists' presence in the region, and a search operation was initiated by joint teams.

Intermittent firing between security forces and Maoists has been ongoing since 7:30 AM.

A detailed report will be shared separately upon completion of the operation.

Earlier last month, security forces in Chhattisgarh recovered the bodies of two Maoist cadres along with automatic weapons from the encounter site in the northwestern...