Sri Lankan military sinks three Tamil Tiger boats
Saturday, 29 September 2007
COLOMBO, SEPT 28 (AP): Naval attack craft waged a three-hour sea battle with 20 Tamil Tiger boats off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka Friday, sinking three of the rebels' boats and killing one of their top naval commanders, the military said.
The battle came as fighting between the two sides near the Tamil Tigers' de facto state in northern Sri Lanka escalated in recent days, leaving more than 60 rebels dead, according to the military.
The details could not be independently confirmed and rebel spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan could not immediately be reached for comment.
The naval battle began about 11 p.m. Thursday as 20 boats from the rebels' navy, known as the Sea Tigers, headed toward the area of Pulmoddai.
The battle came as fighting between the two sides near the Tamil Tigers' de facto state in northern Sri Lanka escalated in recent days, leaving more than 60 rebels dead, according to the military.
The details could not be independently confirmed and rebel spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan could not immediately be reached for comment.
The naval battle began about 11 p.m. Thursday as 20 boats from the rebels' navy, known as the Sea Tigers, headed toward the area of Pulmoddai.