Rebels, soldiers killed in Lankan clashes
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
COLOMBO, Jun 30 (AFP): Sri Lankan security forces kept up an offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels, killing at least 30 guerrillas for the loss of two soldiers, the defence ministry said Monday.
Troops shot dead 30 rebels in the districts of Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu Sunday, the ministry said, adding another 34 were wounded.
Security forces suffered two soldiers killed and 13 wounded, the ministry said.
There was no immediate word from the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam on the latest violence.
The defence ministry's claim takes the number of rebels reported killed by government troops since the beginning of the year to 4,616, against the loss of 420 soldiers.
Government figures cannot be independently verified as journalists are barred from visiting frontline areas.
Sri Lanka has suffered from a bitter and bloody ethnic conflict for more than three decades. The rebels say they are fighting for an independent homeland for minority Tamils.
Troops shot dead 30 rebels in the districts of Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu Sunday, the ministry said, adding another 34 were wounded.
Security forces suffered two soldiers killed and 13 wounded, the ministry said.
There was no immediate word from the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam on the latest violence.
The defence ministry's claim takes the number of rebels reported killed by government troops since the beginning of the year to 4,616, against the loss of 420 soldiers.
Government figures cannot be independently verified as journalists are barred from visiting frontline areas.
Sri Lanka has suffered from a bitter and bloody ethnic conflict for more than three decades. The rebels say they are fighting for an independent homeland for minority Tamils.