ARMY AND POLICE SUCCESSFULLY REPULSE ATTACK ON

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 001053

SIPDIS

STATE FOR SA/INS, DS/DSS/ITA, AND DS/OP/NEA
LONDON FOR RIEDL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER PGOV ASEC NP
SUBJECT: ARMY AND POLICE SUCCESSFULLY REPULSE ATTACK ON
CAMP IN ROLPA



1. Local papers report that the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA)
inflicted heavy casualties on Maoist insurgents who were
attempting to overrun a security forces camp in Khara, Rukum
(one of the five districts comprising the Maoist heartland).
Maoists attacked the camp, garrisoned by approximately 50 RNA
soldiers and 20 Nepal Police officers, beginning about 10:00
p.m. on May 27 and ending at around 4:00 a.m., May 28. The
camp's garrison was deployed to Khara as part of the
Integrated Security and Development Program. The reports
state that 5 RNA soldiers were killed and 19 injured in the
engagement; the bodies of at least 100 Maoists are said to
have been recovered, as well as approximately 80 weapons,
including a light machine gun. The RNA employed a helicopter
with night vision capability in the action. The helicopter's
arrival on scene is credited with causing the insurgents to
break off their attack. Accounts of the fighting from
Embassy sources are consistent with the press reporting.
MALINOWSKI