Several rebels also were killed in the ensuing battle, but soldiers recovered only eight rebel bodies, the army said. More rebels were believed killed but their bodies were carried away by surviving guerrillas, and villagers reported seeing dozens of injured rebels being carried away, the army said.
The rebels were believed to have been planning a major attack in the area for months. They were chased away during an army operation in April, but appear to be returning to the area, the senior army official said.
The guerrillas have stepped up violence since Feb. 1, when King Gyanendra took control of the government and imposed a three-month state of emergency.
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