KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) - Police killed at least 24 rebels in weekend fighting, the Defense Ministry reported Monday, after a week that saw the bloodiest clashes in a six-year insurgency in Nepal.
At least 17 rebels were killed Sunday night as they rode a bus in western Nepal, Defense Ministry spokesman Tana Gautam said. The shooting broke out when police stopped the bus at a security checkpoint, he said.
The rebels, who have been fighting since 1996 to abolish Nepal's constitutional monarchy and impose communist rule, generally do not comment on clashes with the army and police. The insurgency has claimed more than 3,000 lives.
Gautam said five other rebels were killed Sunday during a search in Newlapur village, 280 miles west of Katmandu. Two guerrillas were killed in Raralohi, 310 miles northwest of Katmandu.
Dozens of police, about 150 rebels and six civilians were killed in fighting that followed rebel attacks late Thursday on four towns in Dang district, 190 miles west of the capital, officials said.
The rebels are based in remote mountainous areas and draw their inspiration from Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Tse-tung.
Nepal's King Gyanendra imposed a state of emergency on Nov. 26, and ordered the army to clamp down on the rebels after they withdrew from peace talks and attacked government troops and offices.
Human rights groups have accused both sides in the conflict of widespread abuses.
At least 17 rebels were killed Sunday night as they rode a bus in western Nepal, Defense Ministry spokesman Tana Gautam said. The shooting broke out when police stopped the bus at a security checkpoint, he said.
The rebels, who have been fighting since 1996 to abolish Nepal's constitutional monarchy and impose communist rule, generally do not comment on clashes with the army and police. The insurgency has claimed more than 3,000 lives.
Gautam said five other rebels were killed Sunday during a search in Newlapur village, 280 miles west of Katmandu. Two guerrillas were killed in Raralohi, 310 miles northwest of Katmandu.
Dozens of police, about 150 rebels and six civilians were killed in fighting that followed rebel attacks late Thursday on four towns in Dang district, 190 miles west of the capital, officials said.
The rebels are based in remote mountainous areas and draw their inspiration from Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Tse-tung.
Nepal's King Gyanendra imposed a state of emergency on Nov. 26, and ordered the army to clamp down on the rebels after they withdrew from peace talks and attacked government troops and offices.
Human rights groups have accused both sides in the conflict of widespread abuses.
