The death toll of the overnight clashes between the security forces and the anti-government guerrillas on Monday in southeastern Nepal has reached 46, a security official said here Wednesday.

A total of 37 dead bodies of the insurgents have been recovered from the clash sites, the official said on condition of anonymity. "Five security men including three police and two armymen were killed in the skirmishes."

Thousands of armed insurgents launched attacks at joint security bases at Bandipur and Chorhawa and the Area Police Post at Mirchaiya in Siraha district and an army barrack in Dharapani area of Dhanusha district from late Monday till early Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, four civilians injured in the cross-fire have died during treatment, he revealed.

More than 40 civilians along with 14 injured security personnel, were taken to Dharan city for treatment by an army helicopter later Tuesday morning.

Source: Xinhua