Wednesday, April 20 2005 07:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: At least 24 Maoist rebels and three soldiers were killed in clashes between the security forces and the insurgents in two districts of western Nepal yesterday (Apr 19, 2005), the Army said.

The security forces gunned down at least 22 Maoists during firefights at Ramkot and Ramja areas of Rolpa district, 550 kms west of Kathmandu, the Royal Nepalese Army said in a press release in Kathmandu.

Three soldiers also lost their lives, it said.

Fourteen weapons, including two Self-Loading Rifles (SLR) were recovered from the clash sites.

Two rebels were killed by security forces in a separate incident in Chhanna area of Bajhang district yesterday, the Army said.

Meanwhile, seven Maoist rebels have surrendered before the security forces in Darchula, Taplejung and Jumla districts, according to the release.

The Maoist insurgents have also abducted five children, aged between 12 and 16, from Limba village of Panchthar district in eastern Nepal, the Army said.

A civilian was injured when rebels exploded a socket bomb at a boarding school at Ganeshpur in Banke district.