31 killed in Lanka clashes

At least 29 Tamil Tigers and two soldiers were killed in fierce clashes in Sri Lanka's restive northern region where several LTTE bunkers were destroyed by the security forces, officials here said today.

"Ten militants were killed today and a large number injured during surprise attacks in the Muhamale, Nagarkovil and Killali areas of Jaffna," the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said in a statement.

Several LTTE bunkers were destroyed in the attacks, it said, adding two soldiers also lost their lives and six sustained injuries.

In another incident, four Tiger rebels were either killed or injured in a confrontation in Welioya in Jaffna while two other guerrillas were gunned down by the security forces in Adankulam in northwestern Mannar, the army said.

Two more rebels were killed and two injured in Vadukkari area in the region, the Defence Ministry said.

In a confrontation in Kallikulam area of northern Vavuniya, eight LTTE cadres were killed and a rebel bunker completely destroyed by troops, it said.

Troops also killed a Tamil Tiger in the Killali area of Jaffna today, MCNS said, adding nine LTTE cadres surrendered to the security forces at Murunkan road block in Mannar.

Five rebels were shot dead by security forces in Kakkudhudhuvai in northern Welioya, the Defence Ministry said. One more guerrilla died elsewhere in the region. (Agencies)

Source: www.chennaionline.com