NEPAL: ARMY ATTACK ON MAOISTS DEADLIEST SINCE THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L KATHMANDU 001836

SIPDIS

STATE FOR SA/INS
LONDON FOR POL - GURNEY
NSC FOR MILLARD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/17/2013
TAGS: MCAP PTER NP
SUBJECT: NEPAL: ARMY ATTACK ON MAOISTS DEADLIEST SINCE THE
END OF THE CEASEFIRE


Classified By: POL/ECON PMAHONEY. REASON: 1.5 (B,D).


1. (SBU) Fighting between the Royal Nepal Army (RNA) and
Maoist insurgents continued Sept. 18 for the second day in
the mid-western district of Rolpa. To date, at least 35
Maoists and 4 RNA soldiers have been killed in the deadliest
clash since the Maoists broke a seven-month ceasefire on
August 27. The fighting coincides with the beginning of a
three-day nationwide strike called by the Maoists.


2. (C) According to Brig. Gen. Kul Bahadur Khadga, the
RNA's Director of Military Operations, the RNA attacked the
Maoists at a base in their Rolpa stronghold. About 17-18
company-sized units of the 4th Brigade (based in Surkhet) are
involved in the operation, assisted by 2-3 companies from the
10th Brigade. So far the RNA has recovered a total of 8
weapons (4 self-loading rifles and 4. 303s). The DMO said he
expects the fighting to continue for another three days.


3. (SBU) The Embassy will continue to monitor reports on the
situation in Rolpa and provide more information as it becomes
available.
MALINOWSKI