27 killed in fresh fighting in Sri Lanka
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
COLOMBO, Aug 5 (AFP): At least 26 Tamil rebels and a government soldier were killed in fresh fighting in Sri Lanka's north, the defence ministry said Tuesday.
The clashes were in the Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Weli Oya districts on Monday, the ministry said. There was no comment from the Tamil Tigers.
The latest fighting raises the number of rebels who have died in combat since January to 5,557, while 506 soldiers have been killed in the same period, according to a tally of defence ministry claims.
Independent verification of government figures is not possible as Colombo bars reporters from travelling to the combat zones.
The clashes were in the Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Weli Oya districts on Monday, the ministry said. There was no comment from the Tamil Tigers.
The latest fighting raises the number of rebels who have died in combat since January to 5,557, while 506 soldiers have been killed in the same period, according to a tally of defence ministry claims.
Independent verification of government figures is not possible as Colombo bars reporters from travelling to the combat zones.