Rebels bomb Nepal government buildings

Communist rebels raided a mountain town in eastern Nepal, killing at least five policemen, bombing government buildings and freeing inmates from a local prison, officials said today.

Hundreds of rebels stormed Diktel, about 125 miles south east of the capital Katmandu.

At least five policemen were killed and 12 more were reported missing, officials said. The bodies of two rebels were also recovered.

The rebels destroyed six government buildings including the district administration office and local court in Diktel, the capital of Khotang district.

No other details were immediately available.

Rebel violence has escalated since King Gyanendra seized control of the government in February, which he said was necessary to quell the insurgency, which has left more than 11,500 dead over nine years.

The rebels, who claim to be inspired by Chinese revolutionary Mao Zedong, began their violent campaign in 1996.