Nepali troops backed by helicopters have attacked Maoist camps in the jungles in the west of the country, as part of a new offensive against the rebels launched after the king seized power a week ago. Dozens of Maoists were killed in Monday's strikes on training camps and shelters near the western city of Nepalgunj, newspapers said on Tuesday. The army said several Maoists but no soldiers were killed, though it was still awaiting details.
A senior military officer in Nepalgunj told Reuters by telephone troops were returning to the city after the operation.
The army said at least three Maoists were killed in other clashes on Monday and a soldier died defusing a land mine. The rebels have not commented on the latest clashes.
King Gyanendra sacked the government, suspended civil rights and seized power in what some analysts said was a move to give free rein to the army against the rebels to end a nine-year rebellion to topple the monarchy and set up a communist state.
More than 11,000 people have been killed - almost a third of that number since late 2003 when the last round of peace talks collapsed.
Immediately after the king's move, which sparked world-wide condemnation, the army said it would intensify its offensive to force the rebels back to peace talks.
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