Kathmandu, Nepal, Feb 27, SPA -- Communist rebels attacked asecurity checkpoint on a highway near the Nepalese capitalon Monday, killing at least three soldiers, while at least16 insurgents died in fierce fighting in the country'swest, officials said. Maoist rebels opened fire on the checkpoint atKavrebhanjyang, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of thecapital, Katmandu. The Royal Nepalese Army headquarters inKatmandu confirmed the attack, saying more troops have beensent to the area to search for the attackers in nearbymountain areas. The Associated Press quoted the local government officials as saying that the area has been sealed by the army.--SPA 10 54 Local Time 07 54 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/334936