Military

74 Maoists killed in clashes with Nepalese forces

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, March 1, IRNA -- At least 74 Maoists and three security 
personnel were killed in one of the fiercest gunbattle between the 
Nepalese army and the rebels in two districts of Western Nepal, 
reports the Press Trust of India. 
70 rebels, including their brigade commander, were killed last 
night when security forces launched intensified retaliatory attacks 
using night vision helicopters in one of their strongholds in Ganeshar
area of Bardia district, 600 km west of Kathmandu. 
The incident occurred when a group of 500-600 Maoists attacked the
security forces, which reached the area to remove barricades, set up 
by the rebels on the highway. 
The Maoists used sophisticated weapons during the battle. Security
forces recovered 70 dead bodies of the rebels wearing combat dress 
from the area. 
The Nepalese security forces also lost two of their personnel 
during the fighting, it said, adding arms and ammunition were also 
recovered from the site. 
The reported death toll is the highest of any clash since King 
Gyanendra took over power on February 1 and declared emergency rule. 
In another retaliatory operation, four rebels were killed at 
Sukhand Bazaar area of Kailali district last night, the Nepalese army 
said. 
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