Tuesday, May 10 2005 15:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Nepalese security forces killed at least 32 Maoists and lost four of their personnel in fierce fighting, which erupted after the rebels attacked three police posts in Sirha district, Army said today (May 10, 2005).

Hundreds of rebels attacked three police posts in Bandipur, Mirchaya and Daharapani areas in the district, 350 km southeast of Kathmandu bordering India, overnight.

Nearly 26 Maoists were killed in Bandipora, as army repulsed the rebels who attacked the police post at 11.30 pm. The five-hour gun battle ended this morning, they said adding four security personnel were also killed.

Near-simultaneous attacks were carried out at Mirchaiya and Chauharwa police posts also. While five rebels were shot dead in Mirchaiya, one was killed in Chauharwa, Army said.

The fresh bloodletting coincided with the visit of US Assistan Secretary of State Christina Rocca, the first high-level visit from the country after the February 1 power grab.