Kathmandu, Nov 28: Twenty seven Maoist rebels have been killed in fresh skirmishes with security forces across the country, defence ministry sources said today. Four rebels were killed in Asarkot, two in Bhaisakhuttin and two in Bacheni area of Dang district, two in Kolbi of Bara district, one in Dudeswar of Dailekh and one in Sugarkhal of Kailali districts, they said.

Six rebels were killed in Haibung of Sindhupalchowk district, one each killed in Jaljale area of Okhaldhung district and Thakurdwara of Bardia district, the government-run 'Gorkhapatra' daily said.

Seven rebels were killed in Dandagurase village of Sindhuli district, the daily said quoting local security sources. Socket bombs, .303 riffles and bomb making devices were also recovered from the sites.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff of the Royal Nepalese Army Pyarjung Thapa has claimed significant gains had been achieved in the fight against terrorism since the Royal Nepalese Army was mobilized two years ago.

Addressing a Nepalese army officers' function in Kathmandu, he claimed the operations carried out by the army indicate Maoists will be defeated soon, 'The Rising Nepal' daily reported. Bureau Report