Sixteen Maoists were killed during a clash between security forces and Maoists at Satyabati area of Palpa district on Sunday.

According to officials at the Directorate of the Public Relations (DPR) of Royal Nepalese Army (RNA), security forces recovered dead bodies of 16 Maoists from the incident site.

11 security personnel were also injured in the incident.

The Royal Nepalese Army had launched an aerial attack against the rebels in the area.

The clashes took place after a security patrol from Saljhundi of Rupandehi district encountered the rebels.

Meanwhile, Maoists apologized for Saturday’s incident when a bomb planted by them exploded at Chorepatan area leaving six civilians injured.

A press statement issued by Kaski secretary of the Maoists “Karna” stated that the bomb was meant to target security forces, but had accidentally exploded before the set time due to a technical error.