34 rebels, 1 soldier killed in SL fighting | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

34 rebels, 1 soldier killed in SL fighting

AP | By, Colombo
Aug 29, 2008 11:48 AM IST

A wave of fighting across Sri Lanka's embattled northern region kills 34 rebels and one government soldier, the military has said.

A wave of fighting across Sri Lanka's embattled northern region killed 34 Tamil Tiger rebels and one government soldier, the military said Friday.

HT Image
HT Image

The newly reported fighting took place on Thursday along the front lines separating government-controlled territory and the rebels' de facto state in the north, said military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nananyakkara.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The worst fighting occurred in the Vavuniya district, where soldiers killed 14 rebels before capturing the rebel-held Palamoddai village, Nanayakkara said. The same battle wounded 10 rebels and five soldiers.

Scattered battles in Kilinochchi killed 12 rebels and one soldier, while in Welioya, seven rebels died, he said. Another rebel was killed in Jaffna.

Rebel spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan could not be reached for comment immediately.

Both sides routinely exaggerate enemy casualties and underreport their own. Independent verification of the fighting is not possible because most journalists are barred from the war zone. Fighting has escalated in recent months on this war-torn Indian Ocean island, with the military capturing a series of rebel bases and large chunks of territory. Officials have reiterated a pledge to crush the guerrillas by the end of the year.

The rebels have fought for an independent state in the north and east since 1983, following decades of marginalization of ethnic Tamils by governments dominated by the Sinhalese majority. More than 70,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On