Ranchi, Jun 27 (IANS): Maoist guerrillas exploded a landmine in Jharkhand's Latehar district, killing six security personnel, officials said on Wednesday.

The attack took place at Budha Pahad area when the six were engaged in security operations late on Tuesday.

Due to bad weather, the injured security personnel were not airlifted by helicopter for treatment.

On Wednesday, amid rains, security forces and Maoist guerrillas exchanged gunfire in the same area.

According to police, a gun battle had taken place between the security forces and Maoists on Sunday also.

The police had launched a search operation for the Maoists based on intelligence inputs. The rebels ambushed them on Tuesday by tracking their movement.

After the landmine blast, the Maoists fired at the security personnel.

Jharkhand Director General of Police D.K. Pandey said the operation will continue at Budha Pahad till the Maoists were eliminated. Additional forces have been deployed in the area and both the police and the Central Reserve Police Force have intensified their operation.

Maoist guerrillas are active in 18 of the 24 districts of the state. More than 700 security personnel have been killed by Maoists since the creation of the state in November 2000.