16 Maoists killed in clashes in western Nepal

The Maoists were driven away from the area as the security forces intensified search operation in the forest after the clash.

At least 16 Maoists were killed and 11 soldiers injured in a clash between the rebels and security forces in Palpa district of western Nepal.

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Fierce fighting broke out between the Maoists and security forces at Baldhengadi and Satyabati areas of Palpa district, 250 km west of Kathmandu, when the forces launched an operation to flush out the rebels on Sunday afternoon as part of their anti-terror campaign, Royal Nepalese Army spokesman Nepal Chand Bhushan said on Monday.

The Maoists have suffered heavy casualties in the clash which continued till late Sunday night, he said, adding security forces recovered a Self-Loaded Rifle, a Sub-Machine Gun and three .303 guns from the site during a search operation.

The Maoists were driven away from the area as the security forces intensified search operation in the forest after the clash.