Five Maoists were killed in continuing operations in three districts Thursday and Friday, the Defence Ministry said Saturday. Two rebels each were killed in Khotang and Ramechap and one in Darchula.

The army recovered socket bombs, arms, equipment to carry bullets, explosives and documents from the scenes of the clashes.

The army has encircled about 1,000 retreating rebels on the border between Pyuthan and Baglung after dealing a crushing blow to security forces in Argakanchi district this week, radio reports said

Saturday quoting security sources in Nepalgunj.

Maoists killed Kushi Ram Neupane, a teacher, in Lamjung, two civilians at a village in Dhanusha and Bishnu Shrestha at Bhirkot in Gorkha Friday, local officials said.

Rebels overnight bombed the Tulsipur office of the Agriculture Development Bank in Dang, police said.