Nepalese soldiers kill 80 Maoist guerillas

Nepalese soldiers have killed dozens of Maoist guerrillas after they attacked an army base.

A military official believes at least 80 rebels were killed in the offensive in Khara, about 250 miles west of the Katmandu. He says five soldiers were also killed and another 21 injured when hundreds of guerrillas attacked the camp.

Deputy home minister Devendra Raj Kadel says he is not sure how many rebels or soldiers died in the clashes.

"There are a lot of bodies of the guerrillas scattered around the army camp," Mr Kadel said.

The attack comes hours after Nepal's King Gyanendra renewed emergency rule that was first imposed on November 26 after the rebels withdrew from peace talks.