Malkangiri (Orissa), Nov 13 : At least three CRPF personnel, including an officer, were killed when suspected Maoists triggered a landmine blast in Orissa''s Malkangiri district today.

According to sources, the blast took place in Maoist-dominated MV-66 area, about 40 km from Malkangiri, when a van carrying the CRPF personnel was on its way from Kalimela to Gompagunda.

The attack is believed to be part of the Maoist strategy to restrict movement of security forces ahead of their proposed offensive in the region. (ANI)