Kathmandu: In stepped up violence in Nepal following the rebels withdrawal from the ceasefire, at least 10 Maoists and six security personnel were killed in weekend clashes in the country, official sources said on September 1.

Six Maoist rebels were killed in an encounter with security forces in Malarani area of Dailekh district on August 31, the sources said, adding two soldiers were killed in the cross firing.

Two rebels were killed in a separate clash in Rautahat district, Nepali daily 'The Rising Nepal' reported.

In another incident, the rebels attacked a police post in Chapiya area of Rupendehi district, killing three policemen.

A policeman was also shot dead by the Maoists in a busy market area of Dhangadi district on August 31.

Maoists also killed a man in Chhetrapati area of the city.

Security forces also found bodies of two rebels killed in a clash with security forces on Friday in Dumre village of Udayapur district.

PTI