Maoist rebels attack Nepal town

NEPAL: Hundreds of Maoist rebels raided a town in eastern Nepal, bombing government buildings and freeing dozens of prisoners from a local jail, officials said on Monday.

A policeman and at least one guerrilla were killed in the overnight attack in Ilam, a tea-growing area bordering India, about 600 km (375 miles) east of Kathmandu, they said. The guerrillas, who specialise in hit-and-run attacks, drove into Ilam in buses and trucks, attacking government buildings and shooting at security posts, residents said.

"The Maoists also stormed the local jail and freed more than 100 prisoners including some Maoists," a police officer said by phone.

He said the rebels, bombed or set fire to the district administration office building, the revenue office and the local municipal council office.

Kathmandu, Monday Reuters