December 18, 2003	Thursday	Shawwal 23, 1424

KATHMANDU, Dec 17: At least 11 security personnel were killed in two separate landmine explosions in western Nepal on Wednesday, the independent Kantipur FM radio reported.

In one incident on Wednesday morning, at least ten security officers were killed after a Maoist-planted landmine exploded in Dhankhola, bordering Kapilvastu and Dang districts, about 300 kilometres west of the capital.

The landmine explosion killed five army personnel, including a lieutenant, and five security personnel working for the Nepalese police. Three other security personnel were injured in the blast and rushed to hospital.

Meanwhile, one Armed Police Force member was killed and two others were injured.—dpa