Security forces shot dead 12 Maoists in the latest operations in various districts, the Defence Ministry said Sunday. The rebels were killed in Ilam, Lamjung, Bajura and Kailali  Friday and Saturday, the Ministry said.

Security forces recovered various types of guns, pistols and magazines, 303 rifle bullets, plastic grenades, socket bombs, improvised mines, camera reels and documents from the clash sites, the Ministry said.

Nobody was injured when Maoists Sunday morning bombed an unoccupied police post at Panauti in neighbouring Kavre district, local officials said.