Over 4,000 anti-government guerrillas have been killed in counter-insurgency operations launched by security forces since the cease fire between the government and the guerrillas broke off nearly 20 months ago, a military spokesman said Friday.

"Over 700 more rebels are suspected to have been killed during the period, since Aug. 27, 2003," Brigadier General Dipak Gurung, spokesman of the Royal Nepali Army told reporters at a press conference.

More than 2,000 rebels have surrendered to the local administration over the last 20 months, Gurung noted, adding "A total of 432 security personal were also killed during those operations."

The guerrillas have abducted over 11,000 civilians, caused explosions at over 100 places and were responsible for over 50 incidents of looting and arson and opened fire at four different places during public gatherings during the period, Gurung said.

The army blamed the insurgents for continuing terrorist activities and violating national and international humanitarian laws.

Video clips of four soldiers abducted by the insurgents on Nov.16 last year were also displayed during the press conference.

Insurgents killed three of them after abduction while one of them was freed later. "The video clips could be used as evidence against the insurgents at international courts," Gurung said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 7, 2005)