At least 15 security personnel and a civilian driver die in blast near Maoist stronghold of Chhattisgarh.

Suspected leftist rebels killed at least 15 security personnel and a civilian driver in an attack on two vehicles in the western state of Maharashtra on Wednesday, police said, as the state celebrated its foundation day.

A senior Maharashtra police official told Al Jazeera that the rebels triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Gadchiroli, which borders the Maoist stronghold of Chhattisgarh.

“It is a dastardly attack, we will try our best that such incidents are not repeated. Our people are present at the spot, more information will come out by today evening,” he said requesting to remain anonymous.

India’s home minister Rajnath Singh described the attack as “an act of cowardice and desperation”.

“We are providing all assistance needed by the state government,” he said in a Twitter post.

The country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack on Twitter, calling it “despicable”.

Strongly condemn the despicable attack on our security personnel in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. I salute all the brave personnel. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. My thoughts & solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2019

The Maoist rebels, known as Naxals, have killed more than 10 people, including a politician, in Chhattisgarh state amid the multi-phase general elections that will conclude on May 19.

The rebels have battled the state for decades, saying they are fighting for people left out of a long economic boom in Asia’s third-largest economy.

Security forces killed at least 37 Maoist fighters last year in Gadchiroli.

Additional reporting by Alok Putul from neighbouring Chhattisgarh