Maoist rebels attack soldiers in Nepal

KATHMANDU, Monday (AFP) - Scores of Maoist rebels attacked a large contingent of soldiers in the southwest of Nepal, causing several casualties in a day-long battle, a senior army officer said Sunday.

The rebels attacked on Saturday in the Arghakhanchi district, a Maoist stronghold 335 kilometres (209 miles) southwest of the capital, said the army officer, who declined to be identified.

"The clashes began early Saturday and lasted until the evening," he said, without being able to provide details. "We are waiting for detailed reports." The officer declined to comment on a The Nepali newspaper report that several soldiers and rebels were killed in the attack.

There was no immediate rebel comment.

In an attack reported on Saturday, at least two rebels and a soldier were killed on Friday when hundreds of Maoists stormed an army checkpoint also in the southwest of the country.