At least 15 rebels shot dead in Nepal

Kathmandu, Aug 31: At least 15 Maoist rebels were
shot dead by security forces in Nepal, the defence ministry
said today.

They were killed yesterday in clashes in four different
western districts of the country, a defence ministry statement
said.

Security forces also recovered arms, socket bombs and
explosives after the clashes.

Meanwhile 20 rebels surrendered to the security forces in
Sindhupalchok, east of Kathmandu, yesterday, the statement
said.

The rebels have been fighting for a communist republic
since 1996 and the violent uprising has so far claimed over
4,300 lives in Nepal.

Bureau Report