Death toll in Maoist-Army clash mounts to 13

A fighting had erupted between security forces and the rebels after Maoists attacked a district jail and Govt offices in eastern Nepal.

The toll in fighting which erupted between security forces and the rebels after Maoists attacked a district jail and government offices in eastern Nepal has risen to 13.

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Soldiers recovered the bodies of eight Maoists, three security men and two civilians, who were caught in the cross fire when 1,000 rebels simultaneously attacked government offices, including the district administrative office, prison and an army barrack, in Ilam Bazaar, 650 kms east of Kathmandu on Sunday, security sources said.

The fighting lasted until Monday morning and the rebels fled the scene after reinforcements were sent to the area.

Twelve policemen were also wounded in the fighting.

The Maoists also attacked the district jail, freeing 103 prisoners, including 32 Maoists. Later, contact was established with 16 of the jail inmates, security sources said.

Further search operations are continuing in the area, they said.

The Maoists have intensified their attacks in various parts of the country after they withdrew unilateral ceasefire two months ago.