Maoists attack soldiers in Nepal: Several killed

The rebels attacked on Saturday in the Arghakhanchi district, a Maoist stronghold 335km southwest of the capital, said the army officer, who declined to be identified.

"The clashes began early Saturday and lasted until the evening," he said, without being able to provide details. "We are waiting for detailed reports."

The officer declined to comment on a The Nepali newspaper report that several soldiers and rebels were killed in the attack.

There was no immediate rebel comment.

In an attack reported on Satur-day, at least two rebels and a soldier were killed on Friday when hundreds of Maoists stormed an army checkpoint also in the southwest of the country.

The army launched an air and land counter-attack near the Royal Bardiya National Park, 535km southwest of Kathmandu, an army spokesman said.