S E C R E T KATHMANDU 000378

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DEFT FOR SA/INS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/03/2012
TAGS: PINR PTER MASS NP
SUBJECT: (S) REQUEST FOR IMAGERY FOR ROYAL NEPAL ARMY, FIFTH
PHASE

REF: A. (A) KATHMANDU 2277

B. (B) KATHMANDU 2278

C. (C) KATHMANDU 2279

Classified By: H. EGGLESTON. REASONS 1.5 (B, D)


1. (S/NF) This is the fifth request for imagery support for the
Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) to conduct offensive operations against
Maoist rebels.


2. (S/NF) This request is the direct result of a large-scale attack
on GON personnel in Achham District. RNA anticipates that Maoist
insurgents are moving to the area indicated by the following
coordinates:

- 81 degrees 10 min 30 sec to 81 degrees 30 min 00 sec East
- and 29 degrees 05 min 00 sec to 29 degrees 12 min 30 sec North.
- Refer to Map Sheet Numbers 2981-13B and D, 2981-14 A and C.


3. (S/NF) The Maoist attacks inflicted heavy RNA, police and civilian
casualties (see septel). Initial, but necessarily sketchy, reports
indicate that the attacks were carried out by one thousand-plus
Maoist cadre and an additional several hundred load bearers. An
unconfirmed report indicates that the Maoists used mortars, captured
from the RNA in November, in this attack.

MALINOWSKI