44 dead in Sri Lanka rebel violence
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
COLOMBO, Aug 4 (AFP): Heavy fighting across Sri Lanka's north left at least 35 Tamil Tiger rebels dead, the defence ministry said Monday.
Nine government soldiers also died on Sunday, including three in an accidental hand grenade explosion in Jaffna, the statement 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 5,531, while 505 soldiers have been killed in the same period, according to a tally of defence ministry claims.
Nine government soldiers also died on Sunday, including three in an accidental hand grenade explosion in Jaffna, the statement 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 5,531, while 505 soldiers have been killed in the same period, according to a tally of defence ministry claims.