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4 Maoists, 2 civilians killed in aerial attack in Sindhupalchowk

At least four Maoists and two civilians were killed when security forces launched an aerial attack in Thokarpa area of Sindhupalchowk district on Monday.

The RNA launched the aerial raid n the area following information that Maoists had assembled at Baghbhairab Higher Secondary School in Thokarpa for a mass meeting, according to reports.

Security forces launched the attack from a helicopter at around 12:45 p.m. when the Maoists were preparing to hold a mass meeting in the eastern part of the district.

As soon as Maoists targeted an army chopper that had reached the skies above the school, four other army choppers bombarded the area.

The bombardment continued for one-and-a-half hours, locals said.

Though the details of the attack and subsequent casualties were yet to be received, locals said more than 10 civilian houses near the hostel were damaged in the attack.

One of the civilians killed in the attack was a security guard of a Japanese journalist, who is taking shelter in a local's house, according to reports.

Local people suspect large human casualties in the incident.

Maoists were reported to have invited officials of local level committees and civilians from Kavre, Dolakha and Sindhupalchowk to attend the programme.

It is also said Maoists’ central-level leaders were scheduled to attend the programme.

The identity of deceased Maoists and the civilians were yet to be identified. nepalnews.com pb Mar 28 06