35 killed in Lanka clashes, Air Force hits two LTTE targets

At least 33 Tamil Tigers and two soldiers were killed in a series of gun battles in Sri Lanka's north as Air Force jets pounded rebel bases in the embattled region, officials here said on Tuesday.

One of the LTTE's main strategic command and control centres at Kaivelikulam in northern Mullaitivu district was targeted in a raid by the Air Force on Tuesday morning. It was followed by another raid in the south of Karadiyabokku in the rebel-held Killinochchi.

According to defence intelligence sources, the first target was based on real-time ground information that indicated "intensified terror activity" there.

In ground battles, 12 Tamil Tigers were killed in three separate clashes on Monday in Andankulam area of Kokkuthduwai in northeastern Welioya, the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said, adding three more rebels were killed in Wedamalai in Vavuniya.

Two militants were killed in Navatkulam in Vavuniya on Monday while two rebels were gunned down in Sirikulam and Adampan areas of North-western Mannar, the army said.

Source : indiantimes.com