India, June 30 -- Two Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces during an anti-Naxal operation in the Budaguda forest area of Kandhamal district.

Acting on intelligence inputs, a joint team of the District Voluntary Force (DVF) and Special Operations Group (SOG) had been conducting a round-the-clock operation in the region over the past two days.

According to official sources, the Maoists opened fire upon spotting the security personnel, prompting retaliation. In the ensuing exchange of fire, two Maoists-reportedly from neighbouring Chhattisgarh-were eliminated on Monday.

Security forces continued the combing operation in the area to ensure no further Maoist presence.

The Centre has set a target to eliminate Naxalism b...