Ten Maoists killed in clash with security forces

KATHMANDU, Friday (AFP) - Ten Maoist rebels were killed by the security forces in western Nepal in the bloodiest clashes since the end of a guerrilla ceasefire, an army offficial said.

The clashes in the Chitre area of Syangja district, some 50 kilometers (32 miles) south of the tourist town of Pokhara began around midnight and lasted until early afternoon, the official at army headquarters here said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"There were no army casualties but the bodies of 10 rebels were recovered following several clashes," the official said. Police had earlier reported that Maoists attacked security posts and government offices in the remote southwest but said there were no casualties.

"The terrorists attacked several places at Kailali in Dhangadhi district Wednesday night... but there are no injuries, deaths or abductions now," a senior police official told AFP, requesting anonymity. "Everything is under control now."

Since the end of the ceasefire, five policemen and 12 rebels have been killed while 11 people have been hurt in blasts and clashes nationwide.