Nepal's army says at least 50 Maoist rebels have been killed in overnight fighting with security forces in the western hill district of Rukum.
The clashes followed a heavy rebel attack on a military camp in the area, an army official said.
There has been no comment yet from the rebel side.
About 11,000 people have died in the Maoist insurgency over the past 10 years. The rebels want to replace the monarchy with a communist republic.
Weapons recovered
The army says several hundred rebels took part in the attack, which is believed to be one of the fiercest in recent weeks.
"We have recovered 50 bodies during a search in the area," an army officer told the Reuters agency.
"Soldiers also recovered some weapons from the site of the battle."
There has been no independent verification of the casualties.
Officials said the exchange of fire lasted until Friday morning.
Eight security personnel are reported to have been injured.
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