Katmandu, Nepal, Dec 16, SPA -- Soldiers killed at least 23communist rebels early Thursday as the army continuedoperations to flush out guerrillas from mountainous westernNepal, officials said on Thursday. At least 17 rebels were killed in fighting near Dailekhdistrict, about 500 kilometers (310 miles) west of thecapital, Katmandu. The soldiers were patrolling the area onfoot when they came under attack. Two Nepalese troops werewounded in the clash, and were airlifted to a nearbyhospital. Officials, speaking on the customary condition ofanonymity, said the rebel casualty total could be higher. In a separate clash overnight, six rebels were killed whenthey attacked a communications tower just before midnightat Bhirpustang, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) northwestof Katmandu. The tower belonged to government-owned NepalTelecommunication and was guarded by the army. Foursoldiers were wounded in the ensuing gunbattle that lasteduntil daybreak.--SPA1517 Local Time 1217 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/225384