South Asia News
Navy, Tamil rebels clash in northern Sri Lanka, 19 killed
Sep 28, 2007, 7:56 GMT
Colombo - At least 18 Tamil rebels and a Sri Lankan sailor were killed off the north-eastern coast of Sri Lanka in a fierce clash between the two sides in the early hours of Friday, a military spokesman said.
Fighting broke out when the navy spotted some 20 boats off Pulmoddai, 340 kilometres north-east of the capital, and confronted them sparking off a major clash which lasted more than three hours, he said.
The navy claimed they destroyed three rebel boats and killed 18 cadres, including a Tamill leader identified as Lieutenant Colonel Nishanthan. However, a rebel spokesman said that only three of their cadres were killed and three Navy Dvora gunboats were destroyed.
The Tamil rebels said navy was forced to withdraw with their boats.
There is no independent confirmation about the incident.
Fighting has escalated in the north and eastern parts of Sri Lanka during the past five days leaving behind at least 75 rebels, 10 civilians and five soldiers dead.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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Sri Lankan Communications(LIE) DepartmentSep 28th, 2007 - 13:00:45
In the past 18 months, Sri Lanka claimed that it had killed over 14500 Tamil soldiers and 4000 Tamil Navy men and injured over 30,000!!
According to Sri Lankan military leader Sarath Fonseka there are only 7000 Tamil military in total with 10 or 15 boats!!!!
This Sri Lanka playing media propaganda games to cover up the human rights issues raised by UN!!!
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