Maoist rebels killed in Nepal

Authorities in Nepal say 25 Maoist rebels have been killed in separate clashes with the security forces across the country.

A defence ministry spokesman said 18 of them were killed in army actions in the western districts of Jumla and Bardiya.

There is no word about casualties among the security forces.

Thousands have died in Nepal after Maoists launched a violent campaign aimed at replacing its monarchy with a communist state.

A military campaign has been underway since last year to crush the rebellion.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service