Soldiers killed at least 23 communist rebels early Thursday as the army continued operations to flush out guerrillas from mountainous western Nepal, officials said on Thursday. At least 17 rebels were killed in fighting near Dailekh district, about 500 kilometers (310 miles) west of the capital, Katmandu. The soldiers were patrolling the area on foot when they came under attack. Two Nepalese troops were wounded in the clash, and were airlifted to a nearby hospital. Officials, speaking on the customary condition of anonymity, said the rebel casualty total could be higher. In a separate clash overnight, six rebels were killed when they attacked a communications tower just before midnight at Bhirpustang, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) northwest of Katmandu. The tower belonged to government-owned Nepal Telecommunication and was guarded by the army. Four soldiers were wounded in the ensuing gunbattle that lasted until daybreak.
