Stepping up their anti-insurgency operation, Nepalese security forces have gunned down 20 Maoists after a rebel attack left one soldier dead and 5 injured in the southwest Nawalparasi district.

The incident occurred on Friday when the security forces were clearing obstacles placed by the Maoists in Chormara and Arunkhola areas along the highway in Nawalparasi, state-run 'The Rising Nepal' reported, quoting security sources.

The troops were first attacked by the rebels who killed one soldier and injured 5 others. Retaliating, the security forces shot dead 20 rebels, the report said.