DATE=10/15/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=LANKA FIGHTING
NUMBER=2-255063
BYLINE=VANDANA CHOPRA
DATELINE=COLOMBO
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Fresh fighting between government troops and
Tamil Tiger rebels in northern and eastern Sri Lanka
has claimed more than 150 lives. Vandana Chopra has
the details from Colombo.
TEXT: Defense Ministry officials say its losses were
sustained in fighting which began late Thursday when
guerrillas tried to infiltrate the army's forward
defense line in the northern Kilinochchi district.
Security officials say the army repelled the attack
with a barrage of artillery -- supported by the air
force and ground attack helicopters -- causing heavy
casualties among rebels.
In a separate incident, the government says its naval
gunboats encountered a flotilla of guerilla vessels
off the northeastern coast - near Kokkilai in
Mullaitivu district, where the rebels have a major
base. A military spokesperson says three rebel boats
caught fire and sank and another gunboat was badly
damaged while four naval gunboats suffered minor
damages.
Independent confirmation of the fighting and damage is
not possible, as journalists are not allowed in war
torn areas.
There has been no reaction from Tiger separatists on
the latest round of fighting.
Sporadic battles in the north and east and surprise
attacks by Tiger rebels have stepped up in the last
few months.
Tiger rebels have been fighting for a separate
homeland for the minority Tamil community in Sri
Lanka's northeast since 1983. Tens of thousands of
people have died in the conflict. (Signed)
NEB/VC/LTD-T/JO
15-Oct-1999 10:31 AM EDT (15-Oct-1999 1431 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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