Four suspected Tiger rebels arrested in Lanka

During interrogation, the suspected rebels provided information that led to the seizure of four hand grenades and ammunition.

The Sri Lankan military arrested four suspected Tamil Tiger rebels and discovered weapons during a search of a government-held northern town, the military said on Monday.

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The suspected rebels included two women and were arrested late Sunday in Vavuniya, the military said.

T-56 rifles were found in their possession, it said in a statement.

During questioning, the suspected rebels provided information that led to the seizure of four hand grenades and ammunition that had been hidden in a house in Vavuniya, the military said.

Vavuniya, 210 kilometers north of the capital, Colombo, is the last government-held town before rebel territory.

The rebels have fought the government since 1983 to create a separate state for ethnic minority Tamils, accusing the majority Sinhalese of discrimination.

More than 65,000 people were killed in the fighting before a Norwegian-brokered cease-fire was signed in 2002.

The truce has come under increased strain in recent months from escalating violence.