At least nine persons, including two civilians, were killed during the overnight Maoist attack at the district headquarters of eastern district of Ilam on Sunday night.

A press statement issued by the Ministry of Defense (MoD) on Monday said three security personnel, four Maoists and two civilians were killed during the clashes.

The Maoists had set free all 103 prisoners including 32 of their cadres after attacking the District Prison. Sixteen prisoners have come into contact with the administration so far, the statement said.

According to reports, 75-year-old Harka Bahadur Rai, who was sleeping at his house at Ilam-2, was killed in the crossfire. The Maoists reportedly also shot dead Manoj Koirala of Ilam-9 in his house.

Captain Binod Bantawa of the RNA, police head constable Man Bir Tamang and police constable Fanindra Khawas were killed in the incident, according to reports.

The RNA quoted locals as saying that 31 Maoists were killed during the attack.

The statement further said security forces recovered one SLR, two .303 rifles, socket bombs and other explosives from the incident site.

The RNA said security personnel repulsed the Maoist attack through strong retaliation.

The clashes erupted after hundreds of rebels launched coordinated attacks at the district headquarters of Ilam targeting the District Prison Office, District Administration Office, District Police Office, the army base and other government offices at around 9:30 p.m. Sunday. The fighting lasted till 1:30 a.m. on Monday.