Katmandu, March 1, SPA -- Nepalese soldiers killed at least48 communist rebels and lost four troops in a battle in thecountry's southwest, officials said Tuesday, in the latestclash since the king imposed emergency rule a month ago tofocus on stamping out the insurgency. The fierce fighting took place late Monday and earlyTuesday near the village of Mohammadpur, about 550kilometers (350 miles) southwest of Katmandu, aftersoldiers went to the area to clear trees and debris thatrebels had used to block a highway, police and armyofficials said. Rebels hiding nearby threw a bomb at the troops and openedfire, with soldiers quickly taking positions and fightingback, the officials said.--SPA1051 Local Time 0751 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/243259