27 killed in Lanka clashes

At least 22 LTTE cadres and four soldiers were among 27 people killed in intense clashes in the embattled Northern Sri Lanka, officials said on Tuesday.

One civilian was shot dead by suspected LTTE cadre yesterday in Vavuniya, the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said.

While two tiger rebels were shot dead in Kasawalpuliyankulam area in Vavuniya on Monday, two more militants were killed in Palamipiddi in the region, it said.

In a separate incident, unidentified gunmen shot dead a civilian at Badulu junction in Eastern Batticaloa on Monday, it added.

Fierce clashes between army and the LTTE in several areas of North-eastern Welioya also left five tiger militants dead on Monday, according to the MCNS.

Meanwhile, the defence ministry said at least 12 LTTE cadres were killed and 21 others injured in counter-terrorist operations against LTTE in Periyamadu, Mullikulam and Palampiddi in Vavuniya on Monday.

Three soldiers also lost their lives during these clashes, it said, adding, one security force personnel was killed during clashes in Kiribbanwewa area of Welioya on Monday.

Source: Hindu