At least 22 Maoists and two security persons were killed in a clash at Suryanaka area in the western district of Arghakhanchi Thursday.
A fierce fighting had erupted in the area after hundreds of Maoists launched a sudden attack on a security patrol at around 10:30 a.m. In the clash that lasted for nearly two hours 22 Maoists and two security men were killed on the spot.
State-owned Nepal Television said quoting local security sources that 22 dead bodies of the rebels have been recovered from the area.
Local eyewitnesses, according to the report, said they counted some 60 more dead bodies, which the Maoists took away with them. Meanwhile, sources at the Royal Nepalese Army headquarters claimed that dozens of Maoists were killed in the incident but expressed ignorance over the loss the security side.
The incident comes within 24 hours of a fierce clash at Karnali-Chisapani area in Bardia district, far-western region, in which four civilians, five security men and over half a dozen Maoists were killed.