Kathmandu: At least 28 people, including eight security officials were killed separate armed clashes between Maoist rebels and Government troops in Nepal.

Sixteen Maoists and seven security personnel were killed in co-ordinated land and aerial retaliatory attacks launched yesterday (May 11, 2004) on Maoist rebels in Jogimara area of Dhading district 100 kms from Kathmandu, State-run Radio Nepal said today (May 12, 2004).

The co-ordinated action against Maoists was taken after the rebels attacked security forces with guns and explosives.

Of the seven dead in the security camp, three were policemen, including an inspector, and four from the Army.

Five security officials, who sustained serious injuries, were airlifted to Kathmandu for medical treatment.

In a separate incident, two Maoist rebels were killed by security forces in an encounter in Chainpur area of Sankhuwasabha district, the radio report said.

A policeman, who was hurt in the operation, succumbed to his injuries at the Seti Zonal Hospital in Dhangadhi in West Nepal, it said. Two others were brought for treatment.

Elsewhere, two Maoists were killed when locals retaliated a rebel attack in Tittaria and Motipur areas of Morang district yesterday, it said.

Meanwhile, three persons were injured when an ambulance coming from Hetauda was ambushed by the rebels at Charaundi area in Makawanpur district yesterday, it said.