At least 11 Maoist rebels and two security personnel have been killed in the overnight clashes in eastern district of Bhojpur Friday, officials said.

According to Directorate of Public Relations (DPR) of the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA), clashes started after the Maoist rebels opened attack at the joint security base at Hatuwagadhi of Bhojpur district from around 6 p.m. Friday. Clashes lasted until 2:00 in the morning.

During the search operation conducted Saturday morning, security personnel recovered bodies of 11 Maoist rebels and an INSAS rifle, an officer at the DPR told Nepalnews. Two security personnel were killed during clashes, according to the DPR.

Five security personnel who were injured during the clashes have been brought to Kathmandu for treatment, according to reports.

A night vision helicopter had also been sent to support the security personnel during the Maoist attack, security sources said.

The rebels are yet to comment on the incident.