Security forces have killed 17 Maoist rebels at a checkpoint in western Nepal, following rebel attacks that were the deadliest in the Himalayan kingdom since the insurgency began in 1996. 

Radio Nepal said the incident occurred late Sunday near the town of Murkatti, in the western district of Dang. The Associated Press quotes officials as saying the rebels died in a shootout that began when their bus was stopped at a security checkpoint near the town. 

More than 160 people were killed in a string of Maoist attacks in the same region late last week. At least 50 of the dead were policemen, some of whom were beheaded after being captured. It was the bloodiest fighting to date in the Maoist rebellion. 

Monday, Nepalese authorities were still recovering bodies from last week's fighting. 

Sunday, Nepal's king marked the start of Nepal's new year with an appeal for peace and unity in his Himalayan country. 

In an address to the nation, King Gyanendra said all people must come together and put an end to the violence, which he says is severely hurting the country's economy. 

More than 3,000 people have been killed since the Maoist insurgency began six years ago. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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