Nepalese soldiers killed at least 48 communist rebels and lost four troops in a battle in the country's southwest, officials said Tuesday, in the latest clash since the king imposed emergency rule a month ago to focus on stamping out the insurgency. The fierce fighting took place late Monday and early Tuesday near the village of Mohammadpur, about 550 kilometers (350 miles) southwest of Katmandu, after soldiers went to the area to clear trees and debris that rebels had used to block a highway, police and army officials said. Rebels hiding nearby threw a bomb at the troops and opened fire, with soldiers quickly taking positions and fighting back, the officials said.
