More troops to be deployed in Trincomalee

Trincomalee, 230 kms northeast of the capital, Colombo, serves as a major base of Lankan navy and has been hit by a series of attacks.

The Sri Lankan military deployed more troops in the strategic port city of Trincomalee on Wednesday, a day after European cease-fire monitors suspended operations there, local residents said.

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Trincomalee - 230 kms northeast of the capital, Colombo - serves as a major base of Sri Lankan navy and has been hit by a series of deadly attacks blamed on the Tamil Tiger rebels.

A resident said troops with drawn guns have increased foot patrols in the city, with army soldiers on motorcycles and on board trucks also on patrol.

Troops were also carrying out cordon-and-search operations, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity. A local official who also spoke on condition that he be not named corroborated the account of the resident.

The Norwegian-led Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission temporarily suspended operations in Trincomalee on Tuesday, saying security situation there was "not acceptable," spokeswoman Helen Olafsdottir said.

In Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital, the Defence Ministry declined to comment.