Heavy fighting kills twelve in Sri Lanka East

Mar 21, Colombo: Latest fighting between the Army and LTTE rebels in Sri Lanka killed four soldiers and eight Tigers on Wednesday, early morning in Batticaloa, the military said.

An attempt by about 300 Tigers backed by mortar fire to infiltrate the forward defences in Mavadiwembu, Chenkaladi, Sittandi and Kumburumulla areas in Batticaloa was prevented by the security forces, defence officials said.

Four soldiers were killed and 14 others sustained injuries in the attack, the military reported. Eight Tiger bodies were recovered by the troops who are engaged in search and clearing operations in the area. The military believes about 30 Tigers were killed in the battle.

The military says the rebels stranded in Thoppigala area which remains one of the major hideouts for the LTTE in the east have made a last ditch attempt for a final offensive.