At least two security personnel and three Maoists were killed during a clash between security personnel and Maoist rebels at Sunwal ward no. 4 in western terai district of Nawalparasi along the Mahendra highway Thursday afternoon.

Officials of the Directorate of the Public Relation (DPR) of Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) said the clashes took place as Maoist rebels opened fire at a group of security personnel who were trying to clear obstructions along the highway placed by the rebels.

However, a press statement issued by the Maoists claimed that the casualty in the security forces is much higher. The statement further claimed that the rebels also looted some weapons, set army trucks on fire and abducted some security personnel after the clash.

The Maoist statement further said that four Maoists were killed and some others injured during the incident.

When asked about the high number of casualty, officials at the DPR said they did not have information about more casualties and abduction of security personnel.

Meanwhile, reports quoting locals said that they saw bodies of a dozen people killed in the incident at the site of clashes.

The Maoists have been increasing violent activities following the withdrawal of the unilateral ceasefire on January 2.