Communist rebels attacked security bases and government offices in overnight attacks on a west Nepal town.
The rebels attacked the army camp, police station, town jail and government buildings around midnight at Tansen, a town about 300 kilometres west of the capital, Kathmandu.
Fighting continued on Wednesday, said Gangadutta Awasti, who is the chief government administration officer in neighbouring Rupandehi district.
Few details of the fighting were available because communications with Tansen and nearby areas were severed. Security officials reached by telephone feared there would be casualties.
The Maoist rebels have intensified attacks on government positions since breaking a unilateral cease-fire last month after four months blaming the government for their decision.